Diagnosing an STI
If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get routinely tested with each time you have sexual intercourse with a new partner. If your sexual history and current symptoms suggest that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a doctor or midwife from CT Coastal will perform either a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of an infection. These signs may include unusual discharge, a rash, or warts.
Laboratory tests can also identify the cause or type of infection.
- Blood tests: Blood testing can check for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
- Urine samples: Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be confirmed through a urine sample at a lab.
- Genital samples: Some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas can be confirmed by testing vaginal or cervical swabs.
- Fluid samples: If you have genital sores that are open and suppurating, your doctor may test the fluid to check for herpes or other infections.
Screening
Screening is when you test for a disease or an infection, even though you’re asymptomatic. Although screening isn’t a routine part of healthcare, it is recommended for everyone, especially:
- Pregnant women
- Women who are sexually active
- People who have a new partner or have new partners on a regular basis
Keep in mind that it’s still possible to be infected with an STI and test negative, particularly if you’ve been recently infected.
Next Steps
In the event that you test positive for an STI, your healthcare provider will provide you with the appropriate treatment, which can include antibiotics or antivirals. In addition, it’s important to inform your sexual partners of your positive test so they can be tested and treated as well. If left untreated, you and your partner(s) can pass some infections back and forth. For any questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment for a screening, please call us at (203) 562-5181.
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