Although sexually transmitted infections are widespread, your risk factors may determine the kind Tampa FL STD testing you require. You might be curious about the danger of contracting an STD and when to be tested if you engage in sexual activity, particularly with several partners.

Importance of STD Testing

It is crucial to get tested. This is due to the fact that you may be unaware that you have an STD. There are frequently no symptoms. Since you might have an infection without experiencing any symptoms of a sickness, many specialists really prefer the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, you may require different types of Tampa FL STD testing and screening frequency. Your age, sexual habits, and other risk variables will determine everything.

Do not assume that every time you have a Pap test or pelvic exam, you are also getting an STD test. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you believe you should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Discuss your worries with your healthcare physician, along with any testing you require or would like.

STD Testing for Different Diseases

You can determine whether STD testing is appropriate for you by following these recommendations for particular STDs.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

According to national guidelines, women under 25 who are sexually active should get screened annually. Women over 25 who are at higher risk of contracting STIs, such as those who have intercourse with several partners or a new partner, are also advised to get these tests. Additionally, this test should be administered to transsexual women who have intercourse with men, men who have sex with men, and people with HIV. This test must also be taken by those who have been coerced into having sex or engaging in sexual behavior against their will.

Healthcare professionals use a urine or swab test to check for gonorrhea and chlamydia. After that, the sample is examined in a laboratory. Because you might not be aware that you are infected if you do not have any symptoms, screening is crucial.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes testing is typically only advised by providers for those with symptoms or other risk factors. However, the majority of herpes patients never have any symptoms, but they can still infect others with the virus. If you have blisters or early ulcers, your doctor might take a tissue sample or culture of them and send it to a lab. However, if you have symptoms, a negative test does not necessarily mean you do not have herpes.

Although the findings of a blood test are not always accurate, they may also reveal whether you have already contracted the herpes virus. Providers can determine which of the two primary herpes virus types you have with the use of certain blood tests. Although it can also cause genital sores, type 1 is the virus that typically causes cold sores. Genital sores are more frequently caused by the type 2 virus. However, depending on the infection stage and the test’s sensitivity, the results might not be obvious. Results could be both falsely positive and falsely negative.

HIV, Syphilis & Hepatitis

If you are between the ages of 15 and 65, the experts advise getting tested for HIV at least once as part of your regular medical treatment. An older adult or younger kid has a high risk of contracting an STD so they should also be tested. If you are at high risk of contracting HIV, they recommend testing at least once a year. According to expert recommendations, everyone 18 years of age and older should get screened for hepatitis B at least once using a test that includes several different virus indicators. All individuals should get screened for hepatitis C, according to guidelines. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available and often administered at birth. If an adult is at high risk of contracting hepatitis A or B, they can be vaccinated.

See your doctor about getting tested for hepatitis, syphilis, or HIV if you have any of the risk factors. You may test positive for one STD while experiencing illness symptoms, increasing your chance of contracting other STDs. Having more than one sexual partner, or if your partner has had more than one partner, as this testing is also influenced by your previous test. Other possible causes for this test include intravenous (IV) drug usage, a recent hepatitis C infection diagnosis, and a history of incarceration. Additionally, men who have sex with other men, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or are coerced into having sex against their will must also take this test.

In order to test for syphilis, your doctor will either draw blood or take a swab from any genital sores you may have. The material is examined in a lab by a lab professional. To check for hepatitis and HIV, your doctor also draws blood.

HPV

Cervical cancer can be brought on by specific human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. Genital warts can be caused by other forms of HPV. At some point in their life, many sexually active persons contract HPV, yet they never show any symptoms. Within two years, the virus usually disappears on its own. Men should not get tested for HPV on a regular basis. Alternatively, medical professionals might decide to examine men who exhibit symptoms like genital warts. The wart is removed, and a sample is submitted to a laboratory. Both the pap and HPV tests are used to test for HPV in women.

For women aged 25 to 65, Pap tests, which examine the cervix for abnormal cells, are advised every three years. Women between the ages of 25 and 65 should get an HPV test every five years, either by itself or in conjunction with a Pap test, if their prior test results fell within the normal range. People who have irregular Pap or HPV test results or who are at high risk of cervical cancer may be tested more frequently. Additionally, HPV has been connected to cancers of the mouth, throat, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. Certain forms of HPV can be prevented in both men and women by vaccination. However, they work best when administered between the ages of 9 and 26.

Results of STD Testing

Think about getting more Tampa FL STD testing if your test results are positive. Then, if necessary, receive therapy from your healthcare provider. Additionally, let your sexual partners know. It is necessary to test and treat your partners because you can spread certain infections to them. In order to inform your partners and receive treatment, you should remind yourself that getting tested was the right decision. Discuss your worries with your healthcare physician.