STD Testing

With more than 20 million new cases in the United States each year, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are unfortunately a common diagnosis. At Progressive Women's Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician Lathan Overstreet, MD, and his skilled midwifery team offer STD testing for women and girls aged 12 and older to detect and treat sexual diseases before they become problematic or spread. Schedule a test at Progressive Women's Healthcare by phone or online today.

What is STD testing?

STD testing at Progressive Women’s Healthcare includes painless diagnostic tests that screen for sexually transmitted diseases, or infections that spread from person to person through sexual contact. Early detection and treatment are crucial to reduce the spread of STDs and minimize your risk of symptoms and complications. 

What are examples of STDs?

Examples of STDs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A, B, and C

Risk factors for developing STDs include having unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Wearing a condom during sex or having sex with just one monogamous partner are ways to diminish your risk of contracting an STD. 

Which symptoms may indicate the need for STD testing?

STDs can cause the following symptoms:

• Genital, anal, or oral sores
• Warts
• Pelvic pain
• Pain with sex
• Pain during urination
• Infertility 
• Rashes
• Unusual or odorous genital discharge 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Sore or swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

However, not all STDs cause symptoms, at least not initially. If you’re at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, schedule routine STD screening. 

What happens during STD testing?

The type of STD testing that’s best suited for you depends on your risk level for each STD. Your provider might take a sample of your blood or urine or complete a tissue swab. STD testing is painless and you typically receive the results soon after your test.

What do my STD testing results mean?

The Progressive Women's Healthcare team discusses STD testing results with you. You might be a candidate for taking medications to cure or better manage an STD. You must avoid sexual contact during treatment and notify any partners so they too can be tested and treated.

When should I schedule STD testing?

Schedule STD testing every few months if you have known risk factors, if you develop symptoms of an STD, or if your partner has tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. Talk with your doctor about lifetime management strategies for incurable STDs.

Schedule STD testing at Progressive Women's Healthcare by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.