What is the process for STD testing?

I want to get tested since I recently started having sex even though it is protected sex. But can someone explain the procedure to me? Is this something a family doctor can do? Or do I have to make an appointment with a gyno? What kind of tests are they going to do? When can I find out the results? Thanks in advance
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Most Helpful Girls

  • For females it's pretty straight forward most family doctors can do them, the simplest way is to combine it with a PAP test, so just call your doctor ask if they do PAPs if so book an appointment for a PAP.

    A PAP test involves the doctor using a piece of equipment called a speculum which is inserted in to the vagina, and it then used to open the vag so the doctor can look in at the cervix. once open up they will take a visual look took make sure there are no bumps or discoloration which would be the first sign of something being wrong after that they take a scraping of cells from the cervix, to test for any abnormalities, and then they may take a swab from the vagina and cervix that can be tested for STIs, if you want the STI test you can make sure to mention it before they start.

    After that the results from the test are typically done with in 2 weeks so just book a follow up appointment before you leave and your doctor can go over the results with you.

    benefits of a having a full PAP over just an STI Test:

    for warns you of any physical deformities or cysts on the cervix which could cause issues later down the road.

    early detection of cervical cancer

    PAP tests should be done on a yearly bases, starting suggestions vary from doctor to doctor, some say start at 18, some 21 others say 3 years from becoming sexually active.

    Warning, first one can be extremely awkward .

    • as others have noted blood tests are also an option, PAPs are just my preferred way as it does more.

    • Thank you

  • Yes, family doctor can set you up. Though I found that they are not very thorough.

    HIV takes like 20 minutes to get the results these days they do a little finger prick and then set it in a machine that gives fast results then and there.

    Everything else has to be sent out to a lab.

    You probably don't have anything. If there is anything odd, strange symptoms then be sure to tell your doc about that.

    I've had STD testing 2 times...and each test was not 100% thorough, each doctor only tested me for a handful of things.

  • Your family doctor should be able to do it, at your age (25-29) you should of had annual exams before, where the doctor swabs your cervix, it would be the same as that.

Most Helpful Guy

  • Any doctor should be able to test you...in my case...my wife is a nurse and she just had me give blood...which screened me for HIV...and she did not request that I do any further tests...but can ask for w/e tests you wish...

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What Girls & Guys Said

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  • They take some blood out and voila test results come back