An STD test is a medical examination used to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are infections typically transmitted through sexual contact. These tests can screen for a variety of STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Trichomoniasis
STD testing can involve different methods depending on the infection being tested for, including:
- Blood tests: used to detect infections like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.
- Urine tests: commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Swabs: samples from genital, anal, or throat areas to check for infections like herpes and trichomoniasis.
It's important to get tested regularly if you're sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners, to ensure early detection and treatment of STDs, many of which can be asymptomatic in their initial stages. Testing can typically be done at healthcare clinics, sexual health centers, or your primary care physician's office.