What is STD testing?
An STD test detects infections that spread from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. While you may feel awkward or embarrassed discussing STD testing with a healthcare provider, STDs are common, and getting tested is a responsible way to take care of your health and help protect others.
Ways STD tests can be performed include:
- Urine test
- Oral swab
- Genital swab
- A blister or sore swab
- Blood test
- Physical exam
When should I get an STD test?
Get tested immediately, if you’re experiencing common STD symptoms on your anus, vagina, penis, lips, mouth, or throat. Common symptoms include unusual discharge, itchiness, pain, skin growths, and blisters/sores.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s still a good idea to get regularly tested if you’re sexually active. It’s possible to have an STD without having symptoms and infect someone else.
While waiting for test results, you should abstain from sexual activity until you can confirm the status of your sexual health.
Does vybe do STD testing?
Yes! vybe urgent care offers two types of confidential STD testing: send out lab testing and rapid testing.
Send out lab STD testing – These tests provide more reliable results and are more common than rapid tests. They involve specimen collection (blood, swab, urine) sent to a separate lab for analysis, and typically results are available in 3 days. STDs can have similar symptoms, so your provider may recommend getting tested for a few different STDs.
Send out lab tests are able to detect STDs such as:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- HIV
- Pubic lice (Crabs)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Rapid STD testing – Same day results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. This test is available only on a self-pay basis for both men and women and includes a clinician visit. Offered at these locations: Spring Garden, University City.
Does insurance cover STD testing?
If you’re experiencing symptoms, send out STD lab testing is usually covered by insurance, though plans vary. Please contact your health insurance provider to answer questions about your coverage or out-of-pocket costs.
Rapid STD testing is only available as a self-pay service.
What happens if I test positive for an STD?
If you test positive for an STD, your provider will contact you, go over your test results, and provide a treatment plan.
STDs are common and many can be cured with proper treatment. For others, there are ways to treat symptoms and prevent them from spreading to a partner. Your healthcare provider will be able to answer any questions you might have about non-curable STDs.
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