STD Blood Tests

By Mansi Chitranshi | Friday, February 06, 2009

How do I undergo STD Blood Tests?
You must consult your health care provider to give you an STD blood test. Many people take for granted they will be tested accidently for STDs when they have an exam for another reason. For instance, when a woman has a Pap test she accidently discovers about her STDs. This is false - you will not routinely be tested for STDs. If you are visiting your health care provider for some other cause and are unsure if you need an STD test, just inquire. Your health care provider can assist you choose if you need any tests, and which one(s) you might require.

Where Can I Get an STD Blood Test?
Your local health center, many other clinics, pathologies, private health care providers and health departments offer STD Blood tests.

Which STD Blood Tests Do I require?
There is no solitary test for each sexually transmitted disease - tests are infection specific and some infections can be diagnosed using diverse kinds of tests.

You and your doctor will ideally come to a conclusion as to which STD tests are most suitable for you. More than often, your doctor will first investigate about a few things like:

• Your Sexual Life - This simply implies how many sexual partners you have, whether you use condoms or other safety methods
• Symptoms - He will further ask you if you feel any symptoms in your body and whether any symptoms were previously noticed.
• Medical History - Did you have had any STDs in the past or if there is a medical history in the family for the same.
• Over the Counter Medications - Have you ever used over the counter medicines to heal your ailment or STDs.
• Partner's STD - He will inquire if your partner has suffered any STDs or its symptoms
• Allergies - He will inquire about any drug allergies you might have.
• Pregnancy - If you are a woman, he will ask about your last menstruation cycle and also inquire to see if you could you be pregnant.

It is imperative to be truthful and frank with your doctor. Your doctor will be assisting you to make vital choices about what test(s) you may need.

What are the procedures for STD Blood Tests?
It entirely depends on the type of infection you might have. Few infections can be tested for in multiple ways. A full STD test includes a blood test to monitor for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis. Urine or swab tests are also taken to test for an array of other STDs. A test enables your doctor to test out for genital warts as well as with general sexual health screening, your doctor will conduct specific tests under certain conditions.

Summary
In this new age of a fast and rapidly growing world, where HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are a common issue which are yet to be dealt with, getting an STD Blood test done is definitely a wise idea. Also if you are informed about your body, it ensures a healthy life ahead.