STD Testing
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Washington Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine & Primary Care Practice located in Chantilly, VA & Springfield, VA
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is an important responsibility for all sexually active people. Because every situation is unique, Washington Internal Medicine physician Sohan R. Varma, MD, recommends an ideal STD testing plan to protect your health and avoid serious medical consequences. Call the Chantilly, Virginia, office or book your appointment using online scheduling.
STD Testing Q & A
What does STD testing check for?
Washington Internal Medicine offers comprehensive STD testing to check for sexually transmitted infections such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
STD testing is a reliable, fast, and safe way to find out whether you have a disease that requires treatment.
How does STD testing work?
There are several methods of STD testing, including blood, urine, and swab tests. Most STD tests require a blood sample.
You usually provide one urine sample for both chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. In other cases, you need a cotton swab to collect fluid from your genital area for STD testing.
Who needs STD testing?
The team at Washington Internal Medicine believes that if you're sexually active — especially with more than one partner — you need to have STD testing.
You don't need to have symptoms to have STD testing. In fact, many STDs don't cause symptoms. Without STD testing, you could spread the disease and not realize it.
How often do I need STD testing?
The exact tests that you need and their frequency vary with age, sexual risk factors, and sexual history. Some STDs require annual tests, while others are less frequent or as-needed. If you're in any of the following groups, you need STD testing once a year.
- Female, under 25, and sexually active
- Female, over 25, and sexually active with multiple partners
- Male and sexually active with other males
- HIV positive
- Victim of sexual assault
Washington Internal Medicine considers your full medical history, sexual habits, lifestyle, and other factors to determine the right STD screening schedule for you.
Of course, if you experience any new possible STD symptoms, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Symptoms to look out for include burning when you urinate, pain during sex, abnormal genital discharge, and visible changes in your genitals.
How long does STD testing take?
Washington Internal Medicine performs STD sample collection in the office, saving you the trouble of driving to a laboratory. Usually, STD testing takes just a few minutes. In most cases, it's as simple as a quick blood draw or providing a urine sample.
Because sample collection happens on-site, you can expect results sooner than you might with an off-site lab.
Book your STD testing appointment online or call Washington Internal Medicine to schedule your test.
