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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are quite frequent. If you engage in sexual activity, you may be at risk of contracting an STD or STI (sexually transmitted infection). According to the CDC, STD occurrences have been on the rise for several years, with 2.6 million new cases reported in 2019. The risk of sexually transmitted infection is particularly high among the young: nearly half of all new STD cases occur in those aged 15 to 24.
It's also possible to have an STD without showing any signs or symptoms. If you are unaware that you have an STD, you may unknowingly infect others. You can take steps to prevent the transmission of infection by getting tested for STDs and informing your current and former sexual partners so they can get tested as well.
Many STDs can be successfully treated, especially if caught early. Delaying therapy, on the other hand, might result in major health concerns, such as problems during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, heart disease, and certain malignancies.
Not everyone who engages in sexual activity should be tested for STDs. Because of their age, gender, sexual orientation, and other variables, some persons are at a higher risk of infection.
General STD testing recommendations are as follows:
An STD test can be obtained in a California doctor's office, a health clinic, or an urgent care center. It's preferable to get checked at a doctor's office if you're having symptoms, as they can also treat your symptoms or write you a prescription. While certain clinics and urgent care facilities may allow walk-in appointments, it's best to schedule ahead of time to avoid long waits.
Different STDs necessitate various tests. You may receive your findings in two to ten days, depending on the type of STD test you took. Some outcomes may be accessible right away. A physical examination by your doctor may be able to diagnose an STD. Your doctor's office may only contact you if your test results are positive in some instances.
The cost of STD testing is determined by a number of factors, including where you are tested, the sort of test you require, and whether or not you have health insurance. Depending on your income, some California clinics may offer free testing or testing on a sliding basis. Don't put off getting an STD test because of the cost. Discuss the cost and payment options with your doctor's office. Delaying treatment for an STD might have serious consequences.
If you have health insurance, you may be able to get an STD test for free or at a discounted rate. Because of the Affordable Care Act, STD testing is covered by all insurance plans in the federal health insurance marketplace. It's a good idea to phone your insurance provider ahead of time and ask what's covered under your plan if you have health insurance via your employer. You may also be able to access this information on the website of your insurance carrier.
There are about 20 different types of STDs, each with its unique test. There is no single test that can detect all types of STDs. Your California doctor can assist you in determining which tests you require. A blood sample or a urine sample may be used in STD testing. A swab from the inside of your cheek, your vaginal area, or a potentially diseased location may also be taken by your doctor.
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, and syphilis are all diagnosed using blood testing. A technician checks the blood sample in a California laboratory for antibodies that the body has created in response to illness. Some blood tests can detect the virus's DNA as well. Keep in mind that if you've been exposed to an STD recently and your body hasn't created antibodies yet, you could test negative even if you have the condition.
Many healthcare providers accept same-day and next-day appointments, which can be scheduled directly through Solv. We work with thousands of top-rated local providers to make healthcare more accessible to everyone. Our physician partners recognize that waiting days, if not weeks, for an appointment isn't always the best option, and they share our dedication to easy, convenient health care.
Simply input your location and search for "STD test" on our website to discover a healthcare practitioner in your region. On the following page, you'll find a list of providers and available appointments. Choose the time and place that are most convenient for you. Make sure to mention that you're there for STD testing.
Let your doctor know if you have a specific STD so they can arrange the appropriate test. Otherwise, they will assist you in determining which tests you require. A blood sample, a urine sample, or a swab from the possible infection location takes only a few minutes for the nurse or doctor to obtain.
Some STD home tests are available, but not all of them are accurate. The quality of the sample collected determines the accuracy of any STD test. A blood sample, a urine sample, or both are commonly required for home STD kits. Traditional in-office STD testing are the most accurate since doctors and nurses have greater expertise collecting samples.
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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