Testing for sexually transmitted diseases varies depending on one's gender and history of sexual partners. Certain clinics may test only for specific STDs, while others test only high-risk people such as teenagers and those with symptoms. Knowing your list of partners before going in for testing and what you need to be tested for will make things less tense as you sit in the waiting room.

HPV

Affecting 6.2 million Americans yearly, the human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. For low-risk types of HPV, in which genital warts are most likely to appear, your doctor will inspect your lower extremities. For high-risk types, which can lead to cervical cancer, an acetic swab of the genital area will reveal smaller warts. Pap tests can also be done to detect high-risk HPVs.

Crabs

Doctors test for crabs by making a physical examination of the infected area, searching for pubic lice and nits, which are clusters of lice eggs. Other areas of the body may be inspected to see if the infection has migrated.

Genital Herpes

A herpes outbreak can generally be diagnosed by a visual examination of the infected area. Because herpes sores can be easily mistaken for other diseases, however, viral and blood tests are better means of testing for the STD.

Gonorrhea

A gonorrhea test is based on a culture exam, in which a sample of discharge is taken and sent to a lab. After it has cultured for two days, the sample is inspected under a microscope for bacteria. Urine tests are possible, but they are not as effective as culture tests in ruling out contraction.

Syphilis

Syphilis occurs in stages. Initial diagnosis involves checking for chancres, ulcers formed during the first stage. If the disease has advanced to the second stage, a health care provider may check the lymph glands. Blood tests are also performed at this stage. In the later stage of syphilis, a cerebrospinal fluid test will be performed. Spinal fluid is collected to see how far the infection has progressed.

HIV

Testing for HIV, arguably the most fatal STD, is accomplished with an HIV antibody test. A blood sample is examined by specialists for HIV antibodies. It is recommended that you wait three months from the time of possible contraction to test for the virus, as it takes that long to appear in the nervous system.

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STD Testing

Sexually Transmitted Diseases