Whether you receive positive or negative STD test results, we will help you make sense of what to do next
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. It’s important to get regular STD testing, even though there can be stigma or other hurdles that make it uncomfortable to ask for one, or to ask your partner(s) to get tested. Your obgyn can help.
Once you get the test, what do you do about your positive or negative STD test results? Read on to learn more about what you should know about STD tests.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, we provide quick, accurate STD testing. When you are working with your obgyn, STD diagnosis and treatment is simple. Whether you receive positive or negative std test results, we can help you make sense of your test and make a plan for next steps.
Call us at 954-340-1050 or book online now
Regular STD testing is healthcare
If you have had unprotected sex with a new partner, or think you may have an STD because you experience symptoms, get tested right away. But even adults having protected sex should consider testing regularly.
Using condoms or other barrier methods as protection during sex is an excellent way to protect yourself from many STDs. But you are still susceptible to getting or passing on infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), genital herpes, syphilis, crabs, and scabies. Plus, many STDs are asymptomatic, so you may not even know you have an infection.
Getting tested regularly even if you don’t think you’ve been exposed to an STD is a wise move for self-care if you’re sexually active. Consider it a basic part of your healthcare. Whether you have positive or negative test results, getting tested will give you the information you need to act responsibly toward your own and others’ health.
Making sense of positive or negative std test results
Your obgyn may order an STD test to diagnose or rule out a specific disease in response to your reported symptoms. Or you may have a test to screen for disease even when you are asymptomatic.
Whether you have positive or negative STD test results, you may find it tricky to decipher them. This is something your care provider can help you to understand. Your lab results may include one of these terms:
- Negative or normal means the disease being tested was not found
- Positive or abnormal means the disease was found by lab testing
- Inconclusive or uncertain means there wasn’t enough information to diagnose or rule out a disease. You will probably get more tests.
Negative std test results but still worried
Most tests are highly accurate, but there can be false results. It’s possible to receive a false negative, which means you have the STD but the negative std test results say you don’t. There are a range of factors that could lead to false results, including the window period during which the body must produce enough antibodies to get an accurate test result.
If you have reasons to doubt your results, you can talk to your provider about having another test, to make sure you get the most accurate results possible.
Getting treatment
If you test positive for an STD, you can start getting treated right away, and take steps to protect your partner(s). Some STDs go away on their own with time, some go away with treatment, and others can be successfully managed with treatment to have a minimal impact on your quality of life.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, our compassionate doctors provide STD testing and treatment, annual well-woman exams, obstetrical care, and many more gynecologic and obstetric services to the Coral Springs, FL area.
Book an appointment at our practice by calling 954-340-1050 or online
Photo by kevin turcios on Unsplash