If you have unusual symptoms like pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or infertility, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) might be the reason. At Greenhaven Family Practice in Sacramento, California, osteopathic medicine physician Scarlett Lu, DO, offers STD testing and treatment to optimize your sexual health and well-being. Call the office to schedule an STD test today.
STD testing involves diagnostic tests that screen for the presence of common diseases spread through sexual contact. Such tests detect or rule out:
It’s possible to have more than one STD at a time. Early detection and treatment reduce the chance of spreading STDs to sexual partners and complications, such as infertility.
If you’re at risk of contracting an STD or have symptoms of one, you’re a candidate for STD testing. Risk factors include being sexually active with more than one partner, not being mutually monogamous, and not wearing a condom during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of STDs include:
If you contract oral herpes, you might develop sores or blisters around your mouth.
STDs can spread from person to person via intimate contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sexual intercourse.
STD testing at Greenhaven Family Practice includes blood tests, urine testing, and tissue swabs. The tests are simple, fast, and painless. The type of STD testing that’s best for you depends on the type of STDs you’re at risk of and your symptoms.
Dr. Lu may examine your genital area to look for specific symptoms, including sores or bumps. She also reviews your medical history and lifestyle habits.
When Dr. Lu receives the results of STD testing, she reviews them with you. Some STDs are curable after you take medicine, while you can manage others long-term to reduce symptoms and the risk of spreading STDs to a sexual partner.
If you test positive for an STD, avoid sexual contact during your treatment and notify your partner so they can be tested and treated too.
Ways to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading STDs include having just one mutually monogamous partner, avoiding sexual activity, and wearing a condom during sexual intercourse.
To schedule STD testing at Greenhaven Family Practice, call the office today.