What is an STD?
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is an infection transferred via sexual contact in one of the following ways.
- Vaginal intercourse
- Oral sex
- Anal sex
- Intimate skin-to-skin contact
The only way to know whether you've contracted an STD is to get tested.
How often should I get tested for STDs?
Bella Women's Care recommends STD testing at regular intervals based on your health and lifestyle. General guidelines include:
HIV
You'll have HIV testing at least once during your childbearing years, and then repeat the test if your care provider recommends it due to certain risk factors. If you're at risk for HIV, you may need the test every year.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia
If you're under 25, you'll typically test for gonorrhea and chlamydia annually. After 25, you'll test for gonorrhea and chlamydia on an as-needed basis or annually if you're considered a higher risk.
HPV
HPV testing usually starts at age 30. Often, women opt for co-testing, which means a Pap smear and HPV test at the same time. This means you can wait up to five years between tests.
Your care provider will recommend a screening schedule for you.
Do I need to take STD tests when I'm pregnant?
Yes. Early in your pregnancy, you'll test for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. If you're at risk for chlamydia and gonorrhea, you may also need those tests. Depending on your results, you might need to take another STD test during your final trimester.
What are the signs of an STD?
There are often no signs at all, so it's very important to have your STD screenings as recommended. In some cases, particularly in the more advanced stages of an infection, you may experience:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Genital rash
- Pain or burning during urination
- Bumps or sores in or around your vagina
If you have any of these symptoms, get in touch with your Bella Women's Care provider as soon as possible. The sooner you test and get answers, the faster you can get effective treatment.
What should I do if I test positive for an STD?
Your Bella Women's Care practitioner explains your test results in detail, and then designs a treatment plan. Even with incurable diseases, there are many treatments that can help you live symptom-free.
Click the online scheduler or call Bella Women's Care to book an appointment today.
