Where Do I Get an STD Test?
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If you’re wondering where to get an STD test, one of the most obvious choices is to get STD testing is from your primary care physician. Make an appointment to see your doctor (when you make the appointment, it’s up to you whether you tell the nurse that the appointment is to get STD testing). Talk with your doctor about which diseases you’d like to get an STD test for. Your doctor will probably want to know why you want STD tests and you should discuss any STD symptoms you’re having or recent unsafe sexual experiences that caused you to want to get tested for STDs. Standard STD testing can include a gonorrhea test, a chlamydia test, a syphilis test, a herpes test, a hepatitis test and a trichominosis test.
Going to Your Doctor for an STD Test
Your doctor will fill out a test form to order the STD tests you agreed upon. In the U.S., all medical tests, including STD tests, must be ordered by a physician. The doctor will then give you the STD testing form and instruct you to go to a medical lab that’s convenient to you to give blood and/or urine samples, depending on which STD tests you’re going to have. There are likely to be many locations close to you that you can choose from. Bring your STD test form to the lab, no appointment should be necessary. The actual STD test itself should take about 15 minutes. Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor in a few days to go over the STD test results.
STD Test Results
The doctor will go over your STD testing results with you. If you have a positive STD test result, be aware that your doctor must report your name, date of birth and STD test result to the state health department. This can be done without your knowledge or permission because it is required by law. Your doctor will then discuss treatment options for the STDs you have. The treatment may be as simple as an antibiotic prescription, more invasive such as a shot of penicillin or even more involved, depending on which STD you have and how long you’ve had it. In any case, the most important thing is that you know your status and you’re getting treatment.
Loss of Privacy and Confidentiality
The results of your STD tests will become part of your permanent medical record. If you have health insurance, your insurance will likely pay for an STD test, but will also be privy to the results.
There are other options for where you get an STD test that offer more confidentiality and even anonymity. Follow our guide to get a truly anonymous STD test and keep the STD test results private and confidential.
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