Sadly, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates about 20% of the U.S. population currently has an STD/STI. Sexually transmitted diseases/infections often go undiagnosed because they may not have immediate symptoms. Or, due to embarrassment, fear, or anger, some people simply refuse STD testing.
You should be tested for an STD/STI at least once a year. Because some STDs/STIs can stay dormant for several years, you should still plan on being regularly tested even if you’re in a monogamous relationship.
Facts You Should Know About STDs
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD in the U.S. Some types of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer.
- You can get an STD through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and even skin-to-skin contact.
- According to the STD Center, females are three times more likely to get gonorrhea than males.
- Almost half of new STIs in 2018 were among youth aged 15 to 24 in the U.S.
- Many STDs/STIs can be treated with antibiotics when caught early.
STD Testing
Many STDs are easily detected with a urine test. They’re especially effective in detecting the presence of chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you receive a positive test result, it means you’re infected with an STD and should seek treatment from a healthcare provider.
At-home STD tests exist, but The Mayo Clinic says, “tests done on samples you collect yourself may have a higher rate of false-positive results, meaning that the test indicates you have an STI that you really don’t have.” At-home tests can cost anywhere from $99 to test only chlamydia and gonorrhea up to $249 to test a total of 10 common infections. STD testing kits are often not as accurate as tests performed in a clinic or lab because of the potential for user error.
STD Testing Accuracy
No STD test can claim it is accurate 100% of the time. Urine testing is currently primarily used to detect bacterial STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. These tests can identify bacterial DNA usually within hours. Untreated STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to both Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
The accuracy rates of STD tests are measured in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify patients with a disease. Specificity is the ability of a test to correctly identify people without the disease.
Some chlamydia and gonorrhea tests have a sensitivity rate of 99.8% and a specificity of 99.3%. It all depends on the type of test and the specific infection or disease that’s being tested for.
True Care Is Here For You
As an added benefit to no-cost pregnancy testing at True Care, we include STD/STI screening and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Abortion is an invasive procedure so it’s important to know beforehand if you have an STI. If left untreated, the infection could spread.
The only way to ensure you do not contract an STI/STD is to practice abstinence. Another way to prevent contracting STIs is by remaining in a long-term, monogamous relationship like marriage. Any time you do have a new sexual partner, you should make sure you both get tested beforehand.
Take care of your sexual health by making an appointment today for no-cost pregnancy testing including no-cost testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. We promise you’ll receive judgment-free and compassionate care.