How to Test or Diagnose a STD

While you may have already read a list of sexually transmitted diseases and gotten the lecture on protecting yourself, you may have ignored all of these warnings in order to enjoy a little pleasure. You're only human, after all. But since STDs are actually a BAD thing, you might want to listen to what happens when you actually have a sexually transmitted disease. Chances are that when you learn how doctors test in order to diagnose a STD, you might think twice about going into the rain without wearing a raincoat. The business of finding an STD isn't pleasant - and perhaps that's the best possible thing.

Learning How to Test or Diagnose a STD

Since many sexually transmitted diseases like to hide in the body, doctors often have to search for them when there's a possibility that they're present. When you're at the doctor with this sort of concern, you (and the doctor) already know you've put yourself at risk. Now it's just time to find out if you got a parting gift from your partner. The process begins with a detailed questionnaire about your sexual habits and what risky behaviors you have engaged in. This is not the time to lie - the nurse or the doctor has already heard much worse than what you have done, so don't worry here. Once your risk has been assessed, it's time for the 'fun' part.

A blood test is generally the first test that a doctor will request when you're concerned about a sexually transmitted disease. This kind of test is administered just like any other blood test - with a needle and a vial to obtain a sample. This sample can be used to test for a variety of STDs, including HIV. If you are having physical symptoms like discharge or sores, the doctor might take samples of these conditions to see what they actually are. This is not fun and it can even hurt, no matter how good the doctor is. And no, they're not trying to hurt you on purpose (no matter how much it seems like it).

After You See How to Test or Diagnose a STD

The waiting game begins after you give up a few pints of blood and a few more scrapings. And this can take a week to find out whether you have a clean bill of health. Or if you want to do things a bit more privately, there are some at home STD testing kits you can use too. Of course, you will need to be able to take your own blood in order to get the sample the testing place will need - not for the faint of heart. But these kits are cheap and they can help you find out whether you might need to seek sexually transmitted disease treatment.

If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, you may be reported to the health department - if that's any incentive to learn how to protect yourself.