Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a common occurrence, and it is important to get tested regularly to ensure your health and safety. Everyone who is sexually active should get tested, and those at higher risk of contracting an STD should get tested annually. The types of tests you need may vary depending on your risk factors, but they typically include tests for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Home testing kits for certain STDs are also available.
If the result of a home test is positive, contact your healthcare provider or a public health clinic to confirm the test results. Results usually take one to ten days. Your healthcare provider can test you for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C early in pregnancy. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested using a urinalysis or swab taken from the inside of the penis in men or from the cervix in women. Genital herpes is usually only tested for if you have symptoms or other risk factors.
A tissue sample or culture of blisters or incipient ulcers can be taken and sent to a lab. Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer or genital warts. Many sexually active people get HPV at some point in their lives, but they never have symptoms. Most of the time, the virus goes away on its own within two years.
Since everyone who is sexually active can get an STD, getting tested is highly recommended. Even if you don't have any symptoms or aren't considered to have a higher risk of becoming infected, you should get tested for STDs regularly. If the result of a home test for an STI is positive, contact your healthcare provider or a public health clinic to confirm the test results.
