If you are sexually active, it is important to consider regular sexual health check and screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Many common sexually transmitted diseases have no signs or symptoms and will not be detected unless they are tested for. It is also important to promptly see a doctor if you have any concerns regarding STDs, if you have a sexual encounter with an infected person, or if you have any sores or abnormal discharge from your genital area. Many STDs can leave severe sequelae to the infected person and can be transmitted to others if untreated.
The USA Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) recommends that sexually active men and women at increased risk should be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HBV, and HCV (increased risk is defined as having new or multiple current partners, using condoms inconsistently, having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, paying for sex). Among MSM, the CDC recommends HIV, syphilis, HBsAg, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing yearly.
You can minimize your risk of getting STDs by advoiding the risk factors above. Otherwise, getting you and your partner tested is the next best way to be sure you are free from STDs.
*** Who should have STD screening: you may want to be screened for STDs if you:
– Are going to get married
– Are entering a new relationship or having a new sexual partner
– Have multiple sexual partners
– Are men who have sex with men
– Are undergoing annual health examination
– Have been exposed to a known source of STD
– Are concerned about a particular symptom
– Just want to have peace of mind
*** What the STD screening includes :
– Chlamydia
– Gonorrhea
– Syphilis
– HIV (optional)
– Hepatitis B (optional)
– Hepatitis C (optional)
– Genital herpes (optional)
– HPV (optional)
*** How the screening is done:
An Infectious Disease specialist will provide the consultation, which will consist of a pertinent sexual history, a physical examination, and counseling. You will then give a blood and a urine sample. Swabbing from genital sites may be taken as appropriate. Test results will return in 1-2 business days. All tests and consultations are provided in strict confidentiality.
*** Talk to your doctors:
Dr.Doanh Lu is specialized in:
– General Dermatology and Laser Treatment
– Sexually Transmitted Diseases
– HIV and Infectious Diseases
– Viral Hepatitis (A,B&C)
* Languages: English, Vietnamese and Chinese
Dr. Doanh is an American Board Certified Infectious Disease Specialist