There can be a lot of questions about testing for STDs. Many people do not know how tests are performed. One of the first questions asked by patients can be, “Will the testing hurt?” This question arises because patients do sometimes assume that an STD test means that they must submit to an invasive swab test. This isn’t always the case. In today’s medical world, urine testing or blood testing can be not only a more comfortable way to test but also a more effective way to test a patient for STDs.
Swab tests can be painful and cause a bit of anxiety in patients. Many doctor’s offices still perform tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea using the swab method. To avoid the discomfort of swab testing, all of these same infections can be detected through urine testing. This involves simply providing a small sample of urine for diagnostic testing. The urine method of testing will also provide an accurate test result. It is important to note that urine testing will not detect STD infection in the throat or anus. For these infections, swab testing must be performed.
While chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can be tested through either swab testing or urine testing, other STDs are usually detected through blood testing. Comprehensive blood work is the best way to test for STDs like HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Signs of infection are not always apparent and testing can sometimes be the only way to know the current status of your sexual health. If left untreated STDs can lead to more serious health problems. Treatment can only be administered once an infection has been diagnosed by a doctor. For this reason, you should not wait for symptoms to appear in order to get STD testing performed.