What to Expect and How to Prepare for STD Testing

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are more common than you might think. Nearly one in two sexually active adults will contract at least one STD by age 25. With so many cases, it’s vital to make sure you take precautions and prevent them. But be warned: STD testing is not as simple as you think. According to an STD testing center in Portland, you need to be informed of what to expect, what test you should consider, and how to prepare beforehand to make it an easy process that doesn’t turn into a nightmare. This post will tell you exactly what to expect when you visit a lab for STD testing and how to prepare beforehand.

STD Testing: What to Expect and How to Prepare for STD Testing

The first thing you need to know is that there are various tests for STD testing. While many people have their minds set on your standard screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, other tests are available. These tests include urine, throat swabs, and blood tests. The most popular test for STD testing is the urine test. This test offers a relatively accurate measure of your STD status because urine tests for bacteria presence, indicating gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. 

The blood test is considered the most accurate form of testing for STD testing. However, the urine test can only determine these infections and not other STDs, such as HIV and Hepatitis B. So you might need to get a more extensive test. The blood test is another option; it has a higher accuracy level than the urine test.

How You Can Prepare For Std Testing

Again, there are different ways you can prepare for STD testing. However, here are some things you can do to make it a more straightforward process.

When You Make The Appointment, Ask If There’s Anything You Need To Do To Prepare.

When it comes to STD testing, you are likely to be nervous about the outcome of the result. However, it’s best to be prepared; You can ask your doctor before taking the STD testing, which may include restriction of eating certain foods or even drinking a large amount of water. Just be sure to ask your doctor what you should do to get the best results.

Speak With Your Partner

If you are in a relationship, getting tested for STD testing might not be an easy decision. If this is the case, you must talk to your partner about it. Talk to them and ask them their thoughts before your doctor’s appointment. If your partner is not on board, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. They might offer you some pointers on how to approach the subject. 

Make The Appointment

Once you decide on STD testing, it’s time to book that appointment. It is good to make the appointment as early as possible when you make an appointment. You don’t want to wait forever to get your STD testing done! You can make your appointment up to nine days before. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor before this point.

 Educate Yourself About The Tests

STD testing is often your only chance to find out if you are infected with a sexually transmitted disease or even have multiple ones. However, you must stay vigilant and educate yourself to take precautions and prevent getting an STD again in the future. One of the best things you can do is read up on STD facts and statistics. Knowing how common STDs are and how some of them can be spread will help put your mind at ease, too. It can also help prevent awkward conversations with your doctor during your appointment!

Make A List Of Any And All Symptoms You’re Experiencing.

If you experience symptoms before your STD test, be sure to make a list and bring it with you to your appointment. Tell your doctor all about the symptoms you are experiencing and let them have time to ask questions. They will want to know if you have been experiencing any symptoms and if you have, they need to know what they are and how long you’ve had them so that they can help get your STD test results as accurate as possible exactly.

STD testing isn’t always an easy process, especially if you’ve never done it before. Therefore, you must take the time to educate yourself about STD testing and how the process works beforehand to make sure that nothing goes wrong and you get accurate results.