Getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) is necessary to ensure good sexual health. Knowing the facts is important to get tested with confidence and peace of mind.
Know your status and get the treatments to stay healthy. This will protect you and your partner’s health. Despite all the health benefits of getting tested, there are many misconceptions and myths that prevent people from getting checked for STDs.
At Statcare, it’s our job to make STD checks quick, painless, and helpful to all our visitors. We want you to approach it the way you would any other routine checkup — because that’s exactly what it is. To do that, we found the most common misconceptions about STD tests and tried to debunk them one by one.
1. It is embarrassing to get an STD test
It is not embarrassing to get an STD test since it can be done discreetly. Taking care of your physical health is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a responsible decision and one that could mean the difference between a clean bill of health and significant illnesses.
2. STD tests are reported
STD tests are reported simply for data and statistics. Your profile and personal information are still kept confidential. While it is true that you have to come into a Statcare location to complete STD tests, it is a completely private process.
Our doctors will never share your results (or why you even came in for a visit) with anyone. All your results from the lab will be available on your Healow app and you will get notifications the minute the STD tests are reported.
3. STD tests are painful
STD tests are not painful. In some cases, a simple swab on the inside of your cheek is all your doctor will need to test you for STDs. Other times, a doctor will order a lab test that does involve drawing blood samples, but this process isn’t typically painful. Some STDs require a Urine Test. At Statcare, STD tests are quick, mostly painless, and always professional.
4. STD tests always lead to bad news
STD tests do not always lead to bad news. Although 50% of sexually active people will contract an STD by the time they turn 25, that still leaves 50% of sexually active people who haven’t yet contracted one. More importantly, though, there are ways to treat and manage almost all STDs so even if you test positive, we’ll help you through your treatment options.
5. STDs go away on their own
STDs do not go away on their own. All STDs require treatment of some kind else they will progress. You can only know the best treatment plan with proper STD testing and diagnosis.
People can carry some of the most common STDs without seeing a single symptom. Infections like HPV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can be present in your body for weeks (even years) before you see any symptoms.
6. I can just wait for my partner to get tested
You can’t just wait for your partner to get tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other STDS. This is a dangerous game that too many people play. One person’s STD testing results don’t necessarily match their sex partners. You should always want to take responsibility for your own sexual health and take an STD test for yourself.
7. STDs are not common anymore
STDs are common and are still a huge public health concern. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are all at record highs. Even monogamous couples and pregnant women can get them. Even more alarming, certain strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to treatment.
8. STD testing near me is too expensive
If STD testing near you is too expensive, Statcare provides top-quality tests at an affordable price. Others may be less costly, but they won’t be as accurate as Statcare, nor will they be able to provide the kind of quality follow-up care that Statcare provides its patients.
9. My primary doctor needs to administer my STD test
Your primary doctor doesn’t need to administer your STD test. You can get tested by any doctor you prefer. A majority of our patients prefer to get tested at our facilities rather than their regular doctor for the sake of privacy and expertise in this fast-changing environment.
10. STD tests are not accurate
STD tests are 99% accurate if you get them from reliable health care facilities. If you’re taking STD tests through an online service, it is very likely that the results you’re getting are inaccurate. The companies that provide cheap, quick results rarely use accurate laboratories. The same is true of STD home testing kits.
11. My doctor would tell me about any STDs I have
Your doctor would not tell you about any STDs you have. Some people assume that if they’ve done lab tests in the past, they’ve been tested for STDs. It’s unfortunately a totally false assumption. For lab tests, your doctor must specifically tell the lab to test for STDs in order to get accurate results.
Don’t rely on a generic blood test to tell you what your STD status is. Ask for the specific STDs you’d like to be tested for, or ask your doctor for a full screen.
12. Lesbian STD is not possible
Lesbian STD is possible. We recommend any sexually active person to get regular STD checks in order to stay informed about their health. STDs can be spread from various types of contact including toys and swapping of body fluids, not just through vaginal penetration. If you’re a member of the LGBT community and have specific questions regarding STDs, our doctors would be more than happy to offer you any information you need regarding risk factors, tests, and treatments.
13. Condoms can prevent STDs
Condoms can prevent STDs if used correctly. Consistently using protection during sex is the first step in being responsible for your health and the health of others. Protection is the best way to make sure that you don’t end up in the 50% of people diagnosed with an STD. However, any STDs spread from skin to skin contact or contact with body fluids like saliva, If you don’t use the proper protection every time you have sex, you still need to make a habit of getting tested.
The main theme in every single one of these common misconceptions — the theme we want to drive home — is that getting tested for STDs is important, convenient and most of all, not something to be ashamed of. Keeping yourself and your partners safe and protected is something to be proud of.
If you’re looking for more information about the services Statcare provides beyond STD testing, check out our full list. We offer exceptional urgent care services, telemedicine, and more. We’re open 365 days a year for extended hours for your convenience. Just come in and let us help you!
