Confidential STD Screening

Is it possible to have an STD and not even know it? The answer is actually, yes. Although it depends on the sexually transmitted disease, STD’s such as chlamidia and gonorrhea show symptoms that can be mistaken for other ailments or no symptoms at all. This is why it is important to be screened for STDs. Many people are hesitant to be tested for an STD because of privacy issues but you should be assured that there are many confidential STD screening options. If you believe you have been exposed to an STD it is vital that you are screened as soon as possible so you can begin treatment.

What should you expect in a confidential STD screening?Most public health clinics have “same day appointments”. You call the clinic in the morning and are given an appointment to come in later that same day. The entire appointment typically takes less than an hour.

Another screening option is a “walk in” appointment, where you can go to the clinic or lab on certain days and they accept people on a first come first serve, basis. If you come to be tested as a “walk in” the wait is typically longer depending on how many other people come in to the clinic.

During the visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions or possibly ask you to fill out a questionnaire and depending on your past or symptoms, you may be tested for gonorrhea, hepatitis, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, HIV trichomoniasis (Trich) or bacterial vaginosis (BV). To find out if you have Chlamydia or gonorrhea you only need to give a urine sample – it’s totally painless. Syphilis, hepatitis and herpes are usually tested from a blood sample. However, if you have an open sore then they will gather the sample from the open sore.

How quickly you receive your results in a confidential STD screening varies. Typically your test results will come back within 7 to 10 days. However, some services offer same day results for a higher price. If you test positive, you will most likely be asked to come back to the clinic to receive treatment and advice on how you can control your STD and prevent yourself from getting one again.

This type of screening is considered confidential because all of the information is kept private. However, some services offer an even more confidential STD screening that does not require a doctor visit. They provide the lab order and you simply choose a lab location that is convenient for you and go to the lab to provide the urine or blood sample. Many people prefer this type of screening.

If you think you have been exposed to an STD, by all means, get tested right away. The sooner you are tested the sooner you can be treated and the more likely it is that your STD will be controlled and your health restored. It is good to know that you can have a confidential STD screening without inconvenience or embarrassment.