Std Testing: What Hospitals Routinely Check For

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a common occurrence, with about half of all people globally contracting an STD in their lifetime, according to the CDC. As such, regular STD testing is an important step to take to protect one's sexual health and prevent the spread of infections. While STD testing is typically done at a doctor's office, urgent care facility, or primary care clinic, some may wonder if hospitals automatically perform STD tests on patients.

Testing for STDs at the ER

It is important to get tested for STDs regularly, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. While your primary care doctor should be your first point of contact for health and wellness, you may also consider visiting an ER or urgent care facility for STD testing.

STD testing is quick and easy, and it usually doesn't hurt. There are many different options available for testing, including home test kits, online testing, and testing at urgent care facilities or ERs. Testing at an ER is similar to being tested in any other clinical setting. The medical provider will first check your physical symptoms and then conduct tests based on the results of the physical examination. These tests may include drawing blood, asking for a urine sample, or using a swab to collect samples from the affected area. For females, testing usually includes a pelvic exam.

ERs play a critical role in treating STD complications promptly. They are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms of STDs, and healthcare professionals are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms and order the necessary tests for an accurate diagnosis. Quick and accurate diagnosis is crucial in preventing further transmission. When diagnosed with an STD in the ER, individuals can receive immediate treatment, information about the infection, and guidance on how to prevent its spread to others.

In addition to medical treatment, ERs can provide counseling to address topics such as safe sex practices, partner notification, and the importance of regular STD testing. They can also assist in partner notification and contact tracing, helping to break the chain of transmission. Furthermore, ERs contribute to public health efforts by collecting and reporting data on STD cases, which is essential for tracking trends and allocating resources effectively.

While testing at an ER is an option, it may be more expensive than other alternatives, and there might be longer wait times. It is always important to weigh the benefits of each option and choose the one that is right for your specific needs and circumstances.

STD testing procedures

It is a common misconception that doctors automatically test for STDs during a regular checkup. In most cases, your doctor will not perform STD testing unless you specifically ask for it. STD testing is not usually included in regular medical exams, so it is important to be honest with your nurse or doctor about your sex life so they can determine which tests are best for you.

There are many options available for STD testing, including at your primary care doctor's office, urgent care facilities, or at home with a kit. Testing is quick, easy, and usually painless, and may include a urine test, oral swab, blood test, physical exam, genital swab, or a combination of these. The tests will depend on your symptoms, medical and sexual history, and the kind of sexual contact you've had.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as sores or blisters on your genitals, you should see a doctor for testing. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, a blood test may be performed to check for viral infections such as herpes or HPV. Women can be screened for HPV with a Pap smear, which checks for abnormal cells on the cervix.

STD testing is necessary to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and to give you and your partner peace of mind. Many STDs can be asymptomatic, allowing infections to spread undetected, so it is important to get tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active or starting a new relationship.

Regular STD testing

STD testing is not automatically performed by doctors during regular check-ups. You must ask for it specifically. Testing covers anywhere from six to 14 STDs, including the most common types: gonorrhea, HIV, and chlamydia. Herpes and HPV are not routinely tested for unless you are showing symptoms.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid infecting others and increasing the chance of limiting the disease's effects. Testing is also recommended if you are pregnant, starting a new relationship, or practising casual sex.

You can get tested at a primary care clinic, urgent care facility, or a sexual health clinic. Some clinics offer walk-in services, while others require appointments. Results may take up to seven to ten days, depending on the test.

Misconceptions about STD testing

It is a common misconception that a doctor checks for STDs during a regular checkup. This is not true. In most cases, your doctor will not perform STD testing unless you specifically ask for it. Medical professionals usually test for the most common types of diseases, which include gonorrhea, HIV, and chlamydia. The STD testing covers anywhere from six to fourteen STDs, depending on where you get the test. Even though physicians test for the most common STDs, they do not test for herpes and HPV unless you exhibit symptoms of the diseases.

Another misconception is that STD screenings are comprehensive. Standard practice for STI screenings at a clinic and even at your doctor's office only account for 10% of the thirty possible transmittable infections. A study in 2013 showed that 40% of women believe that STD screening included screening for all STDs. In reality, you usually must visit a doctor and ask for a comprehensive screening test.

The stigma associated with STIs also gets in the way of patients seeking and receiving tests, especially comprehensive ones. Many people feel that they are not at risk because they are "good people". However, STIs can be just as common as catching the flu, and misconceptions and stigma surrounding STI screening and STIs themselves can seriously hinder STI prevention. For example, two out of three women believe that they are automatically screened for chlamydia each year, while in reality, only 30-45% are screened.

Furthermore, many people assume that if they are screened for STIs at a sexual health center, they are being screened for all STIs. However, this is often not the case, as many STIs do not have any symptoms. For example, if you are screened for STIs at a sexual health center such as Planned Parenthood, you are most likely only being screened for three of the thirty existing STIs: gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

STD testing options

If you think you might have an STD, it is important to get tested. STDs don't go away on their own and can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. You can spread STDs to your sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.

There are several options for STD testing, including:

Private Clinic

Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests. This option may be more expensive and may require scheduling an appointment. However, your doctor should be one of your most important resources for your health and wellness, and you may feel more comfortable discussing your symptoms and concerns with them.

Local Lab

Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor's orders. This option can be more affordable and may offer quicker results.

Community Clinic

Community clinics, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations, may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or at a low cost. These clinics welcome all sexual orientations and genders and can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.

At-Home Testing

You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis. At-home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test. This option may be more convenient and private, but the cost may be a barrier for some.

Emergency Room

You can go to the ER for an STD test, especially if you are experiencing disruptive and painful symptoms. However, this option may be the most expensive and may not offer the same privacy as other options.

It is important to remember that not all doctors' offices test for all STDs, and sample collection methods can vary. The CDC recommends that all sexually active people aged 13 to 64 be tested at least once for HIV every year. Additionally, pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C early in pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions