STD Tests

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are becoming increasingly common.  I often see patients who would like to be tested for "all STDs".  There are very different tests for the various STDs and it is important for patients to be aware of them.  This is a simple breakdown of the various types of tests we currently use for the most common diseases.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia - Urine test for men, urine or vaginal swab for women.  Some women are able to have this during their PAP test but urine testing is available at all other times.

HIV - Blood test for screening.  If this test is positive, a test to confirm the disease is also done through blood testing.

Herpes - There are two types of testing for this.  The screening test is a blood test that tells you if you have ever been exposed to HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), Type 1 or Type 2.  It used to be that one type of herpes was found in the mouth and the other was genital herpes. However, that has now changed and either strain can be found in either site.  Therefore, having a blood test to screen is not very useful because it will be positive even if you have ever had a cold sore.  It does not indicate the presence of an STD.

The better test for herpes is a viral culture.  This is when a patient has a fluid-filled blister that is popped open by the doctor and the fluid is sent for a culture to see which virus grows from it.  This is a definitive test and much better than the inconclusive blood test

HPV - Human Papilloma Virus has many strains that can lead to genital warts in men and women, or cervical cancer in women.  In women, HPV testing is done during a PAP test and can indicate which strain they are carrying.  For warts, there is no blood or genital test for men or women.

Hepatitis - Blood testing is possible for Hepatitis A, B, and C.

Syphilis - A blood test is used for screening.

Trichomonas - Much more commonly tested in women if they have vaginal discharge or itching. Testing is done by a vaginal swab in women and a urethral swab in men.

STD testing is very important in sexually active individuals and has become easier than ever before.  The topic may be somewhat taboo in the community and causes patients to withhold information from their health care provider.  It should be treated as any other disease and tested for as soon as possible to prevent person-to-person transmission.  See your doctor and get tested.  It could save your life or the life of someone else!