STD Testing with Dr. Kareen Saunders, D.O.
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Why is it Essential to Get Tested for STIs?
Alright, let’s get real—testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI's) is crucial! Many STDs don’t show symptoms right away, so the only way to know if you have one is through testing. Even without symptoms, you can still pass an STD to your partner. Without testing and treatment, STIs can lead to serious health problems. For example, untreated syphilis can cause severe issues, including:
What Are the Symptoms of STDs?
STDs can be transmitted through all types of sex—vaginal, oral, or anal. Symptoms can take months or years to appear and can mimic other health conditions. Here are some signs to watch out for:
What Type of Testing is Used to Detect STDs?
There are several ways to test for STDs, and sometimes more than one method is needed. If you’re unsure what type of STD you may have been exposed to, Dr. Saunders will help determine the best testing procedure based on your symptoms and risk factors. Standard tests include:
Alright, let’s get real—testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI's) is crucial! Many STDs don’t show symptoms right away, so the only way to know if you have one is through testing. Even without symptoms, you can still pass an STD to your partner. Without testing and treatment, STIs can lead to serious health problems. For example, untreated syphilis can cause severe issues, including:
- Infecting babies in up to 80% of cases where the mother had untreated syphilis
- Causing stillbirth or newborn death in up to 40% of untreated cases
- Facilitating the transmission and acquisition of HIV
- Reactivating after 10-30 years, leading to life-threatening complications
What Are the Symptoms of STDs?
STDs can be transmitted through all types of sex—vaginal, oral, or anal. Symptoms can take months or years to appear and can mimic other health conditions. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Burning during urination
- Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or buttocks
- Itching, pain, irritation, and/or swelling in the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen glands, achiness, fatigue)
What Type of Testing is Used to Detect STDs?
There are several ways to test for STDs, and sometimes more than one method is needed. If you’re unsure what type of STD you may have been exposed to, Dr. Saunders will help determine the best testing procedure based on your symptoms and risk factors. Standard tests include:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Physical exam (checking the genital area for warts, sores, rashes, discharge)
- Swab samples of discharge from the penis, vagina, urethra, cervix, anus, or throat
- Swab samples of fluid from sores or blisters