STIs(sexually transmitted infections) testing is an important way to maintain your sexual health and overall health as you can receive treatment immediately if necessary. You may be wondering what exactly is involved in STI screening.
Most people understandably feel anxious or embarrassed about getting tested, but it is a very simple and straightforward process. Let’s talk about what you can expect during a typical STI screening and where you can go in Kent for private STI testing and treatment.
What Is an STI Screening and Why Do I Need One
Testing for STIs is a process by which a person is checked for sexually transmitted infections. It is essential to get screened for STIs regularly if you are sexually active.
There are many reasons why you might need an STI screening, including:
- If you have symptoms that could be caused by an STI
- If you’ve had unprotected sex
- If you’re considering becoming sexually active with a new partner (because you don’t want to transmit a STIto your partner)
- If you want to keep your sexual health and overall health in check
There are numerous STIs, and most of them can be treated successfully if detected early. That’s why it’s so important to get screened regularly.
What Happens at the STI Testing Appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll likely be asked to fill out some brief paperwork. This will include questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Once the paperwork is complete, you’ll meet with a healthcare professional to evaluate your medical history and ask pertinent follow-up/clarification questions if necessary. This is an important part of the screening process, as it can help the nurse practitioner or healthcare provider determine which tests may need to be performed.
Your healthcare provider will likely then perform a physical exam. If you are female, this may involve the nurse practitioner inserting a speculum into the vagina so that they can examine the vagina and cervix and look for sores or signs of infection; if you are male, this will involve inspecting the penis for any sores or infection.
The healthcare provider may swab the cervix or inside of the penis to take a sample and test it for infection. In some cases, blood tests may also be ordered. Depending on the results of these tests, treatment may be necessary.
What Tests Are Performed During an STI screening
The tests performed during your STI screening will vary depending on your risk factors and symptoms. That said, some of the most common STI tests include:
- A swab test to check for gonorrhea and chlamydia
- A blood test to check for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis
- A vaginal exam to check for HPV and other genital infections
How Can I Prepare for My Appointment
There are a few things you can do to get ready for your STI testing appointment:
- Make sure to arrive on time so that you don’t have to rush through the appointment and so your appointment isn’t canceled by the staff.
- Bring a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss with the healthcare provider.
- Be honest and complete with your answers to the questions asked by the healthcare professional. This will help them provide you with the best care possible.
- Ask your healthcare provider about what tests they will perform, so you are prepared for what to expect during the screening process. This will help ease any anxiety you may feel.
STIsScreening in Kent, Washington
If you want to get tested for STIs, come to FamilyCare of Kent for high-quality, confidential, personalized care. We will not judge you and want to get a complete picture of your sexual health history to help keep you healthy. Our board-certified nurse practitioners have many years of experience treating STIs, and we also focus on educating patients on how to prevent STIs in the future.
To make an appointment with us, call us today at (253) 859-2273 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!