Free STD checking is a painless and quick test that the doctor does not usually include in a regular medical examination. As a result, a person has to ask for it and search for an STD-free clinic near me.
What is an STD?
The difference between STIs and STDs is often confusing. An STD means a sexually transmitted disease that results from a sexually transmitted infection.
Infection is caused when viruses, bacteria, or parasites enter a body and begin the process of developing a disease, especially when left untreated.
While the stem of STDs is from sexually transmitted infections, getting an STI doesn’t always mean that it will develop into an STD disease from the infection.
Some of these infections might not show any symptoms. This is why it becomes more important to go for STD testing free Los Angeles to prevent the spreading of STIs. On the other hand, a disease usually shows more clear signs or symptoms.
Who is more likely to get tested for the infection?
If you are sexually active, it is good for your health and well-being to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Besides this, you should also get tested in case:
- On the verge of beginning a new relationship
- both of you and your sexual mate are thinking of not using a condom or any birth control barriers
- your partner engages in casual sex with others or cheats on you
- you have been sexually active with multiple partners
- you notice symptoms suggesting you of having an STI
However, if you are in a long-term, mutually committed relationship with your only partner and have been through the testing procedure before entering this relationship, you may skip testing for a regular STI.
Unfortunately, many people weren’t tested for STIs before entering into a long-term relationship with their partner. If you are one of them, it is quite possible that someone or both of you was living your life without being diagnosed with STI for many years. So, the safest option is to get tested.
Should You Ask Healthcare Providers for STD Tests?
STD testing is a type of test typically not included in the list of regular gynecologist testing. So, it becomes your responsibility to ask your healthcare provider for STI testing. Also, make sure to share the right information about your sexual life with the nurse. This is only to ensure they can figure out your problem and help you recommend the best tests related to STDs.
It is understandable that talking about STI testing can be awkward, but there is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Remember, the healthcare providers have been seeing it all. Mostly, people go for STD testing at least once in their living period. Moreover, getting tested for STDs is certainly a responsible step to take in order to make sure that you are taking care of your well-being.
Below are some of the smooth ways to bring up the topic of STD testing with a doctor or nurse.
- I have previously done an STD test. Do I have to take it again?
- Did you ever take any STD testing during your regular check-ups?
- What are the factors that need special attention for STDs?
- How to know if I need an STD test?
If you feel uncomfortable or shy about talking to your family physician about STDs, you can seek help from a local healthcare center and get a free STD checkup soon. In this center, you will get judgment-free STD testing and follow-up procedures from socialists.
How to know what type of STD test you need?
The healthcare provider will guide you to figure out the best tests you need to go for to keep a check on your health. In learning so, you should communicate about:
- Symptoms that you may have
- Whether you or your mate have been tested for STDs before
- Whether you are in a monogamous or polygamous relationship
- The type of sexual contact you have been into, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or it can be anything involving skin-to-skin contact of genital or passing of sexual fluids
- How often do you use birth control protections such as condoms or dental dams?
- Other things you may do that could possibly increase the chances of infection occurrence, like needle sharing.
This will provide your doctor or nurse with the necessary information to help them figure out the most appropriate STD tests for you. Make sure to communicate openly and share everything with honesty to get the best medical care for your needs.
What are the common tests for STI?
There are different kinds of STIs. So, it is better to consult a doctor and then go for free STD testing Santa Monica. They can encourage you to get your test done for one or a few of the following.
- HIV
- chlamydia
- syphilis
- gonorrhoea
- hepatitis B
- trichomoniasis
The doctor might now recommend undergoing a test for herpes unless you ask or have been exposed to it.
Following this, you may have to undergo tests including the following:
- Physical examination of the genital part
- Urine test
- Cheek swab test
- Blood test
- Sore test
The Takeaway
Since the doctors don’t automatically suggest STD testing, ask them which tests you should take and the reason behind them. Taking sexual health care is equally important as your overall body care. So, consult the nearest center and easily book your appointment for free STD checking to maintain good health.
