Archives for September 2021

Types of STD That Causes Diarrhea: How to Differentiate from Flu?

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Most sexually active people assume that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) only affect the genital area. Well-known symptoms like genital warts or lesions may send you looking for the nearest STD testing location. However, sexually transmitted diseases also have several lesser-known symptoms.

The early signs of an STD may mimic common illnesses such as a cold or the flu. There are even some STDs that cause diarrhea.

You can also visit a conveniently located Rapid STD Testing clinic to determine if your windows 10 symptoms are STD-related. We offer same-day STD testing and counseling to empower you with the knowledge you need to live a happy, healthy life.

What Happens in Your Body When You Have Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, you may not understand why it occurs or what happens in your body when you have diarrhea.

Self-Limiting Diarrhea

Typically, you experience diarrhea due to certain foods, viruses, bacteria, or digestive disorders. Some causes of diarrhea include:

  • Viral infections like rotavirus, norovirus, and Hepatitis A
  • Bacterial infection
  • Food poisoning.

Regardless of its cause, many viral or bacterial diarrhea cases are self-limiting, which means they don’t last for long periods or require medical care.

Chronic Diarrhea

On the other hand, diarrhea caused by digestive disorders may require treatment or lifestyle changes to restore healthy bowel movements. Common diseases that cause diarrhea include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Colitis
  • Food intolerances

Diarrhea can have countless other causes as well. The parasitic infection, giardia, can impact your body’s ability to absorb fluids, resulting in loose stools. Antibiotics can also inflame the digestive tract and trigger diarrhea. Finally, you can develop diarrhea while traveling through Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, or Africa.

Diarrhea’s Effect on Your Body

No matter what causes diarrhea, your GI system becomes disrupted. Your body can no longer absorb fluids and nutrients from food. As a result, food and drinks pass through your body quickly and causes frequent, loose, watery stools. You may experience bloating, cramping, or nausea and feel a strong need to use the restroom. Prolonged diarrhea can even cause severe pain, bleeding, and fever.

As mentioned above, your body usually recovers from diarrhea without medical treatment. However, if a disorder or an STD results in ongoing diarrhea that lasts for more than two to four weeks, you could experience severe complications, including:

  • Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. You can become dehydrated while playing sports, exercising, working outside in hot weather, or experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration causes symptoms such as fatigue, dark-colored urine, confusion, dizziness, and extreme thirst.
  • Electrolyte Disorders: Electrolyte disorders can occur when your body’s electrolyte levels are too high or too low. Your body needs a careful balance of electrolytes, including calcium, chloride, phosphate, sodium, and magnesium, to function correctly. If your electrolyte levels become imbalanced, you may experience common symptoms such as a fast heart rate, lethargy, nausea, confusion, numbness, or seizures.
  • Kidney Failure: When left untreated, diarrhea can cause extreme dehydration, leading to windows 10 kidney problems or even failure. Also known as acute renal failure, kidney failure can set in within a few hours. Symptoms of kidney failure include infrequent urination, extreme fatigue, joint pain, confusion, seizures, coma, and swelling in your lower extremities.

Is There an STD That Gives You Diarrhea?

When it comes to your sexual health, paying close attention to the early signs and symptoms of an infection can prevent complications in the future.

Many people aren’t sure if the flu or something more online casino severe is causing their headache, fever, and diarrhea. A variety of STDs can cause bowel problems.

Sneaky STD symptoms that mirror the flu are windows 10 often a sign that a sexually transmitted infection has progressed. While not all conditions mimic the flu, some of the STDs that cause diarrhea include:

1. HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is one of the most feared and complex sexually transmitted diseases. The virus damages your immune system by destroying the T-Cells needed to keep it strong and functioning normally.

HIV progresses slowly. The virus can take up to ten years to develop into AIDS. Early detection from a rapid STD test and medically supervised treatment can help reduce the virus load as well, allowing you to live a long, happy, healthy life.

If you think you may have been exposed to the infection, get tested early and pay attention to common HIV symptoms, including:

  • Body rash
  • Fever
  • Severe headaches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Night sweats
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Vaginal infections
  • Diarrhea

2. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that passes through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria typically targets moist, warm areas of your body, such as your eyes, throat, vagina, or anus. Despite its easy windows 10 transmissibility, most people don’t notice any symptoms of gonorrhea.

If you do develop symptoms, they will typically onset within two days to two weeks of exposure and may include:

  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Pus-like discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Painful urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain in the lower stomach
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Painful bowel movements

3. Chlamydia

Like gonorrhea, chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection passed through unprotected sex or contact with the genitals of an infected person. Chlamydia can go undetected for years. However, symptoms include:

  • Burning during urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Vaginal or penal discharge
  • Pain in the lower abdomen
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Diarrhea 

4. Herpes

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) — better known as genital herpes — is a viral STI that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters to develop around your genitals. Symptoms of herpes include:

  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Blisters on the mouth, lips, face, or genitals
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Painful bowel movements

Does Syphilis Cause Diarrhea?

The most common symptoms of syphilis include flat, grayish-white warts around your genitals, mouth, or throat. However, other signs of the infection include diarrhea, headaches, or body aches.

If you’re experiencing severe diarrhea or other flu-like symptoms, our Rapid STD Testing 10-Panel STD test can determine if you’ve contracted an STD that causes diarrhea.

How to Know if Your Diarrhea is from STD or from Flu?

In reality, it’s challenging to determine if your diarrhea is from an STD or the flu without a blood or urine test. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and painful bowel movements have many causes, from the stomach flu to food poisoning, bacterial infections, and more.

Developing diarrhea doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve contracted an STD. Because of the complexity of the infections, STDs are nearly impossible to diagnose based on a single symptom.

Diarrhea combined with painful bowel movements and other symptoms like discomfort during sex, burning while urinating, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats may point to an STD. Consulting a doctor or medical professional at one of our confidential Rapid STD Testing clinics is the only way to know if your diarrhea is a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer a wide range of individual and multi-panel tests, including:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Herpes
  • HIV
  • Early Detection Testing for HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

With Rapid STD Testing, you’ll receive results in one to three days. Most importantly, your tests will be completely private and confidential; only you and our staff of experienced doctors will know that you tested, what you tested for, and what the test results revealed.

Treatment Options for STD Associated with Diarrhea

Treating an STD can feel overwhelming, but medical care is the only way to ensure that the infection clears up. If you’ve just been diagnosed with an STD, you may not know where to start.

Our STD counselors at Rapid STD Testing can help. We’ll guide you through the testing, treatment, and care process. Following a positive test result, our doctors will determine the next best steps for your needs. You sex video download can then follow up with your healthcare provider or a center like Planned Parenthood to receive ongoing care, attention, or additional testing.

You will likely recover from a bacterial STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, following a round of antibiotics. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with an STD with no cure, such as HIV, you will likely need ongoing treatment to prevent the infection from progressing.

Treating STDs associated with diarrhea can be slightly more complicated. Some of the medications used to treat STDs cause diarrhea and can intensify the effects of the infection. For example, diarrhea is a common side effect of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV.

Talk with your doctor if you notice that your diarrhea lasts for more than two to four weeks after beginning treatment. They may recommend a different treatment method or prescribe a medication known as Crofelemer, an antidiarrheal that the FDA approved to reduce diarrhea caused by HIV treatments.

Your doctor may recommend Crofelemer alongside antibiotics for STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, too. Crofelemer manages noninfectious diarrhea, which occurs for reasons other than a viral or bacterial infection.

You can also make lifestyle changes to manage your bowel movements, such as:

  • Avoiding caffeine
  • Drinking clear liquids
  • Removing dairy products from your diet
  • Avoiding greasy, fried, or spicy foods
  • Eating at least 20 grams of fiber each day

Treatment for HIV

While there is currently no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help control the virus’s progression.

ART can reduce your viral load to an undetectable level through a process called viral suppression. However, it cannot eliminate the virus entirely. You can also help support treatment by eating a healthy, balanced diet, sleeping well, and staying active.

Treatment for Gonorrhea

Doctors treat gonorrhea with antibiotics. You will likely receive an injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone into a muscle, followed by a single, oral dose of azithromycin, another antibiotic. If the gonorrhea infection has progressed or entered your bloodstream, you may need IV antibiotics to recover successfully.

Treatment for Chlamydia

Like gonorrhea, antibiotics can easily cure chlamydia. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, take all of your medication, and return for additional testing if symptoms continue.

Treatment for Herpes

There is currently no cure for the herpes virus. Your doctor will likely prescribe antiviral medication to minimize outbreaks, speed up healing after an outbreak, and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.

Testing and Treatment for STD and Diarrhea from Rapid STD Testing

No matter what type of STD you may have been exposed to, we know that you might feel afraid, embarrassed, and uncertain about how to proceed. Our team at Rapid STD Testing can help.

If you think you’ve may have been exposed to an STD that causes diarrhea, please call today to speak to a Rapid STD Testing counselor or visit one of our clinics for confidential testing and fast, accurate results.

 

 

Can You Get an STD Without Having Sex? Types and Methods

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The “S” in STD stands for “sexually,” so you might think that you can only contract an STD after having sex. However, if you’ve noticed symptoms and Googled, “Can you get an STD without having sex?” you may be in for an unwelcome surprise.

You can contract an STD from unprotected sex, but you can also contract an STI without having sexual intercourse. The infections can spread through oral sex, kissing your partner, or eating contaminated foods.

Our staff at Rapid STD Testing created this guide to answer the common question, “Can you get STD without sex?” and empower you with the information you need to protect your sexual health.

Ways You Can Get an STD Without Intercourse

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) commonly spread through unprotected, penetrative sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

More than likely, you already know that you need to:

  •         Use protection
  •         Get tested before engaging in intercourse with a new partner
  •         Avoid sharing needles.

If you get an STD without having sex, though, you may find yourself wondering, “Can I have an STD as a virgin?” or “Was I born with an STD?” While you cannot get an STD from yourself because STDs do not naturally develop, there are ways other than intercourse to contract an STD.

1. Kissing

While some may disagree about whether or not it’s “real” sex, you likely know that you can get an STD from oral sex. But did you know that you can contract an STD through kissing?

For most couples, kissing is a way to show affection. Still, there’s no way to avoid swapping saliva while kissing, and STDs can spread through contact with bodily fluids like saliva. Even if you only share a peck on the lips with a loved one, you still risk catching an STI.

Mononucleosis (also known as “the kissing disease”) is the most frequently transmitted disease. While mono isn’t technically considered an STI, it still spreads through saliva or other bodily fluids. Kissing your partner can also spread oral herpes, a viral infection that causes cold sores.

2. Sharing Items

Sharing certain items can increase your risk of coming down with an STI. Shared sheets, towels, or clothes can hide single-cell parasites called Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoan organism responsible for the STI trichomoniasis.

The parasite thrives in damp fabrics and can survive for up to an hour outside of the body. Pubic lice — commonly known as crabs — and scabies can also make a home in shared bedding, towels, or clothing. The mites are invisible to the naked eye but can cause itching, blisters, and genital sores.

Further, personal care items like razors and toothbrushes can spread STDs as well. To reduce the risk of contracting a bloodborne disease like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, avoid using your partner’s razor or toothbrush and never use a shared needle.

Finally, never share sex toys with an untested partner. Even if you use protection, you can still contract an STD from unwashed sex toys, including vibrators and other devices.

3. Oral Sex

Oral sex may seem like a safer alternative to penetrative sex. In reality, you can easily contract or spread STDs through unprotected oral sex.

Broken skin, sores, genital warts, or secretions are often exposed during oral sex, allowing STDs to enter your body. At the same time, infected genitals — including the penis, vagina, or anus — can transmit diseases during oral sex.

As mentioned above, the herpes simplex virus is most often transmitted orally. You could also risk catching HPV or chlamydia.

4. Blood Transfusion

In the event of a catastrophe, a blood transfusion can save your life. However, if you received a blood transfusion that contains HIV, you have an extremely high risk of contracting the infection.

Fortunately, the likelihood of receiving a blood transfusion that contains HIV is low. Blood banks screen blood for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, reducing the risk of contracting the infection after a transfusion.

That said, if you received a blood transfusion before the early 1990s, you could have been exposed to HIV or Hepatitis. Fortunately, a rapid STD test can determine if you have the virus, allowing you to seek appropriate treatment and minimize the damage to your body.

5. Contaminated Food

You probably don’t expect your meals to be a potential source of an STD. Even so, Hepatitis A can pass through contaminated foods and drinks. You can get this STD without having sex. If you ingest infected fecal matter, you can contract the virus.

While fecal matter may seem easy to avoid, someone could use the restroom without washing their hands, then begin prepping your food. You then run the risk of contracting an STD from your favorite meal, though the virus usually clears up on its own and has few symptoms or side effects.

6. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Similar to kissing, skin-to-skin contact often seems like a safer alternative to sex. However, viral infections like herpes or HPV can spread through hand-to-genital or genital-to-genital contact.

The risk of contracting STDs like genital herpes, trichomoniasis, and HPV through skin-to-skin contact varies based on several factors, such as the viral load, the condition of your skin, and your personal grooming habits.

7. Tattoos and Piercings

Adding a new tattoo or piercing your ears are fun ways to express your personality and put your taste on full display. Before you pop into the first tattoo or piercing parlor you find, though, you should do your homework.

If the parlor doesn’t sterilize their piercing or tattooing needles between clients, you could potentially contract HIV or another bloodborne disease, such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Ask the staff what kind of precautions they take before booking your appointment to help minimize your risk and increase your peace of mind.

8. Childbirth

Whether you’re expecting a baby or have recently discovered that you have an STD that was transmitted non-sexually, you may be asking yourself a common question: “Can you be born with an STD?”

In short, yes. STDs can impact both pregnant mothers and their babies if left untreated. Babies can contract STDs such as syphilis, chlamydia, or HIV during delivery. Fortunately, you can detect and treat STDs during pregnancy with same-day STD testing, reducing the baby’s risk of contracting an infection.

Common STDs You Can Get Without Intercourse

Herpes

The viral infection herpes results in painful blisters. Doctors can treat the ulcers with antiviral medication that helps minimize the outbreaks, reduce pain, and shorten flared periods. However, the infection itself is incurable.

In most cases, people don’t know that they have the herpes infection. Even so, the disease transmits between sexual partners or to babies during delivery.

HPV

Also known as human papillomavirus, HPV is a viral infection that creates warts on your skin or in mucus membranes. Some strains of HPV can lead to cancer in the cervix, other areas of the genitals, or the throat. Most people contract HPV through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact.

HIV

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a viral infection that can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV is currently incurable and transmits through shared items, like needles or razors, and bodily fluids, such as:

  •         Blood
  •         Semen
  •         Vaginal discharge
  •         Breast milk

Like many STD patients, most people who have contracted HIV don’t know that they have it. The virus progresses slowly and may not show symptoms for ten years. Early detection and ongoing treatment are critical to prevent severe illness or death. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or trich, is one of the most common STDs. A one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis causes the virus, which passes through genital contact. More than 70% of patients suffering from trich don’t have any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may not appear for weeks after you contract the infection.

Hepatitis A

Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hep A is a short-term virus that typically goes away on its own. You can contract the virus easily through intercourse, contact with Hep A-infected fecal matter, or contaminated food. The virus creates inflammation in the liver and can lead to liver failure in rare cases, though most patients fully recover from liver failure caused by Hep A.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection transferred through unprotected sex, genital contact, oral sex, or birth. The infection can be recurring, which means that you can contract chlamydia again after treating and recovering from it.

Chlamydia rarely shows any symptoms but, left untreated, can cause significant health conditions.

Gonorrhea

Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is a bacterial STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. The bacteria targets warm, wet areas of the body, such as the vagina, anus, eyes, and throat.

The bacteria pass easily through unprotected intercourse or nonsexual contact with an infected person. Most people develop symptoms within two weeks, though some people never experience them at all. Still, you can pass an asymptomatic infection along to sexual partners.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that develops in phases and spreads through contact with painless sores on the genitals or in your mouth. The bacteria can remain dormant for years following the initial infection. When left untreated, syphilis can damage vital organs, including your heart and brain.

Safe Practices to Avoid Getting STD without Sex or with Sex

With more than 20 million new STD cases in the United States each year, it pays to be safe. Some people may hesitate to have sex for fear of contracting an STI, especially since you can get an STD without having sex.

You can still safely engage in sex and enjoy your life — as long as you take certain precautions.

Before having sex with a new partner, make sure you get tested. At Rapid STD Testing, we offer a comprehensive 10-panel STD test that checks for common infections and viruses, including:

  •       HIV Type 1 and 2
  •       Herpes 1 and 2
  •       Hepatitis A, B, and C
  •       Syphilis
  •       Chlamydia
  •       Gonorrhea
  •       HIV RNA Early Detection

Talk with your partner before having sex to ensure that you’re on the same page. Discuss boundaries and guidelines involving protection, monogamy, and regular testing.

Use a condom with water-based lubricant throughout the entire process of intercourse. Condoms are highly effective at preventing both pregnancy and infections. If you or your partner uses hormonal birth control or has an implant, you may want to add a barrier method to prevent STD transmission.

Avoid having sex while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Intoxication can lower your inhibitions and reduce your commitment to having safe, protected sex. You may also choose to get vaccinated against common STDs, such as HPV or Hepatitis B. Vaccines can minimize your risk of contracting STDs through sexual or nonsexual contact.

Vaccines won’t prevent every type of STD, so ensure that you use protection before engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Finally, get tested regularly, especially if you engage in high-risk activities or have multiple sexual partners. Rapid STD Testing clinics empower you with confidential testing, same-day results, and all the support you need to take control of your sexual health.

Can You Get an STD without Sex? Tips to Stay Safe

Can you get an STD without having sex? The short answer is yes.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, order tests today at a convenient Rapid STD Testing clinic. Our team will support you throughout the testing and treatment process.

 

 

Chances of Getting an STD from a One-Night Stand: Tips and Safe Practices

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A one-night stand is something that many people have been through. It can provide an outlet for healthy sexual expression, but there are drawbacks: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. What are your chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand?

There’s no way to provide exact numbers since every circumstance is different. This article will go over what you need to know to keep yourself safe after having casual sex. At Rapid STD Testing, we offer same-day STD testing with full panels at our clinics throughout the United States, so you can know your status and take control of your sexual health.

Defining One-Night Stands

You might be wondering exactly what the definition is of a one-night stand. Essentially, it’s a sexual encounter with a partner you don’t intend to see again or keep in communication with after you hook up with them. Some may call it “no strings attached,” but it’s all the same: one night of casual sex with no emotions or attachments.

There are many conflicting views on one-night stands. Society often presents them as immoral or wrong, and there can be double standards for men and women. The truth is that these short-term encounters can be part of a healthy, normal sex life — as long as you educate yourself on how to stay safe from risk.

When you don’t have a history of trust and familiarity with your partner, it becomes even more essential to use protection during the sexual encounter to prevent STDs and pregnancy.

Odds of Getting an STD from a One-Night Stand

The chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand vary on a few different factors, including:

  • Whether you had protected or unprotected sex
  • If your partner already has an STD
  • The kind of STD your partner has

If you have unprotected sex, your chances of contracting an STD are much higher. The chances of catching an STD like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis are about 30% if you don’t use the barrier method for protection when you have a sexual encounter with an infected person.

When it comes to HIV, the stats are a bit different. Here are some statistics from AIDSmap.com on your risks of catching HIV from unprotected sex:

Unprotected Sexual Activity Risk of HIV Exposure
Vaginal intercourse, female-to-male 1 in 2,380, or 0.04%
Vaginal intercourse, male-to-female 1 in 1,234, or 0.08%
Receptive anal sex 1 in 72, or 1.38%
Insertive anal sex 1 in 909, or 0.11%

A “one-night stand” doesn’t just mean penetrative sex. Oral sex and anal sex also involve exchanging bodily fluids that can lead to transmission. While condoms reduce the risk of getting an STD considerably, they don’t eliminate it entirely.

The only way to ensure that you won’t get an STD is to abstain from sexual activity. If you don’t want to practice abstinence, prepare to use protection every time and get regular STD testing.

Here are the best tips for staying safe if you have a casual sexual encounter:

  • Use the barrier method consistently and correctly every time you have sex, and have backup protection
  • Communicate with every sexual partner to find out their status
  • Get regular STD testing (every three months) and after any unprotected sexual encounter

These three things will help reduce your chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand and will also help reduce your chance of unknowingly transmitting an STD to your sexual partners.

How Soon After Unprotected Sex Can You Test for STDs?

You can get an STD test a few days after having unprotected sex. However, the window period of an STD, or how long it takes to show up on a test, can affect your results. Generally, you should wait about a week after having unprotected sex before getting an STD test. Every STD has a different window period. For example, HIV may take three months to show up in your system.

For that reason, it’s essential to get regular testing at Rapid STD Testing’s convenient locations. Even if you’re not showing any symptoms, it’s a good idea to get the full panel of testing since some STDs are asymptomatic.

Can You Get Chlamydia After a One-Night Stand?

Yes, you can get chlamydia after having casual sex with somebody if they are infected, and you don’t use protection. You have a 30% risk of contracting chlamydia after a one-night stand.

Can You Get Herpes After a One-Night Stand?

Yes, you can get herpes after a one-night stand if your partner has herpes, especially if your partner currently has an active breakout. If you’re showing any physical symptoms of herpes (like sores or bumps), it’s crucial to get tested.

You may be confused by the symptoms, especially if you’re researching online on ill-informed sources. For instance, many people have trouble telling the difference between an ingrown hair vs. herpes. With a herpes testing panel from Rapid STD Testing, you get results within one to three days.

Measures to Take to Reduce Odds of Getting an STD

While there’s no shame in having a one-night stand, it’s still essential to prepare yourself for the inherent risks. If you think a partner may have exposed you to an STD, Rapid STD Testing is here to help when you need a quick, safe, and confidential STD test. Consider ordering a 10-panel STD test so that you can know your status and get treatment as quickly as possible.

No birth control or STD prevention method is 100% effective, so follow these tips before, during, and after the sexual encounter to reduce the chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand.

Before

The best measure to take before a one-night stand to reduce your chances of getting an STD is to have protection on you at all times. That means more than just the birth control pill; that means using the barrier method. Barrier methods include:

  • Male condoms (external condoms)
  • Female condoms (internal condoms)
  • Dental dams
  • Latex gloves (in a pinch)

Don’t believe the myth that using the barrier method prevents you from “feeling” during sex. You experience sensation and connect with your sexual partners, yet you’ll be safe at the time. Actually, the word “safe” is a misnomer.

There is no such thing as 100% safe sex, including sexual activities that don’t involve penetration, like oral sex. Instead, prepare yourself before a one-night stand by committing to having “safer” sex using the barrier method.

You can also prepare yourself for a one-night stand by getting vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV. Ask your primary care provider if you’re eligible to receive those vaccines. You’ll also need a backup plan for your contraception in case it fails in the heat of the moment.

Choosing a One-Night Stand Condom

A critical aspect you should consider before a one-night stand is choosing the right type of condom. Take the time to read the package and ensure that it will offer you the best possible protection. The box should also expressly state that the condoms inside can prevent disease.

If the box doesn’t say that the condoms inside can prevent disease, they most likely haven’t been scientifically tested for STD prevention. Use condoms with water-based lubrication, as this can help prevent the thin latex from ripping or tearing during penetration.

Any condom you choose (male or female) should be latex. If you have a latex allergy, the acceptable alternative is a polyurethane condom. It’s crucial to select latex or polyurethane because testing shows that these materials drastically lower your risk of transmission.

You may see condoms labeled “organic” or made from sheepskin, but those types are not acceptable for preventing STDs.

During

You can also protect yourself from getting an STD during a casual sexual encounter. It may sound awkward, but you should always ask your partner their status. Ask them when or if they last had an STD test, if they’re having unprotected sex with other people, and if they currently have an STD or any symptoms.

Communication is vital when it comes to having sex (especially casual sex), and it may not seem very sexy at the time, but you’ll be much happier later that you took the time to ask the difficult questions.

Of course, the most critical method for protecting yourself from getting an STD during a one-night stand is to use the barrier protection method. Otherwise, your chances of contracting an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or STD become much higher.

The CDC has an informative condom fact sheet that emphasizes this: correct and consistent use of latex condoms is highly effective in preventing the transmission of STDs like gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and more.

After

Did you have an unprotected one-night stand? If so, you can take specific measures afterward to protect yourself from STDs. If you’re experiencing physical symptoms, the most critical step is getting a rapid STD test. Once the results come back, you can start arranging for the appropriate treatment methods.

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer fast, confidential, and accurate STD testing, regardless of your need to get tested. You can log on to our website and order the STI testing panel that you want at a clinic near you. Then, all you have to do is head down to one of the convenient locations and give a specimen. You’ll have confidential and accurate results within one to three days.

You can also opt for post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV after a possible exposure to the virus. For example, if you have unprotected sex with somebody who is HIV positive, PEP could help prevent you from getting the virus. However, you must take it within 72 hours of exposure for the medication to be effective.

Measures That Are Not Helpful

One factor that doesn’t make things easier is the number of myths that surround STDs. Maybe you’ve heard some of these STD myths before or read about them online. For example, one myth says that rinsing your genitals with soda or alcohol after sexual intercourse will prevent STDs or pregnancy. However, that is false.

Washing your genitals or urinating after a sexual encounter will not prevent STDs. It can help prevent a urinary tract infection, but that’s about it. Douching or washing is ineffective against STDs.

If you feel worried or panicked about possible exposure, try to stay calm and take the steps outlined here to do what you can to mitigate the risk after your sexual encounter.  Schedule a test panel with Rapid STD Testing as soon as possible, especially if you’re showing STD symptoms.

If you had skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an STD, your chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand increase. Please get checked right away. Even if you aren’t showing symptoms, it’s still important to get an accurate test as quickly as possible.

Get Tested Today and Be in the Know

Order a quick, safe, and confidential testing panel from us here at Rapid STD Testing today to find out your status and keep your sex life safe, happy, and healthy

What To Do if STD Test Results Are Negative, But You Are Still Worried?

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One of the most important parts of being a responsible, healthy, and sexually active adult is getting regular STD tests and knowing your status. But what should you do if an STD test is negative, but you’re still worried? The best thing to do is get tested to know whether you contracted an STD or not.

You can get a 10-panel STD test or same-day STD testing from Rapid STD Testing to check your status and get accurate, fast results. All you have to do is order your test panel and then head to one of the convenient clinic locations.

Understanding Negative STD Test Results

If you took an STD test that came back negative, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re in the clear. You could get a false negative result, which would mean that you have the disease even though the test is negative.

Each STD has a window period, which is the time it takes for the disease to appear on a test. There are also differences between STDs, like oral STDs or genital STDs, and each requires a different test. It’s for these reasons that you should get regular STD tests. If the first test you take is negative, come back and take another test to recheck your status and get the most accurate results possible.

False negatives can be dangerous because the longer sexually transmitted infections go untreated within your body, the more damage they can cause. Not to mention, there’s a high risk of passing the STD to another partner unknowingly.

To check your status, you can order a rapid STD test for same-day testing and get your confidential results within one to three days.

What Do False Negative Test Results for STDs Mean?

STD testing is more accessible and accurate than it’s ever been. However, there’s always the chance of getting a false negative or false positive result. What makes one test better than another? The answer is specificity and sensitivity. Specificity refers to tests that measure if people don’t have the disease, whereas sensitivity measures which people do have the disease.

A false negative STD test result occurs when the test says that you don’t have an STD, but you actually do have it. A false positive STD test result happens when the results are positive, but you don’t have the disease. If you get a false negative, you most likely took the test too soon for accurate results.

You can see why the possibility of getting false negatives makes regular STD testing so important. Luckily, you can find STD testing near you at one of the 2,500 Rapid STD Testing locations nationwide, which means you can check your status and get treatment as quickly as possible if you need it.

STDs That Commonly Produce False Negative Results

Some STDs are more likely than others to give you a false negative result. Although the chances of getting an incorrect result are low if you take the proper test and the lab tests your specimen correctly, it is possible to get false results.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common STDs that can cause a false negative test result. If you’re a carrier of either disease and still get a negative result, you could unknowingly transmit the disease to other people. That possibility is a risk that nobody should take, which is why getting regular STD testing is so vital to your sexual health.

Why are gonorrhea and chlamydia more likely to produce a false result? Usually, it’s because you took the test too soon. For example, gonorrhea usually takes about seven days before it shows up on a test. You could get a false negative result if you take the test before the seven days are up.

Chlamydia takes between two and six weeks to register on a test. HIV is another STD that can cause false negatives due to the complicated nature of its testing window.

Causes of Faulty Results

If you get false results on an STD test, there could be a variety of reasons why. It depends on a few different factors:

  • The specificity and sensitivity of the test
  • The type of test: urine, swab, or blood test
  • If the disease is common or rare
  • Improper testing procedures
  • How quickly you take the test

However, there are even more factors that can affect your results. You must take the right STD test to get the right results. For example, if you have an STD that causes itching, like herpes, but you get an HIV test, you’re not going to get accurate results.

For STD tests that require a urine sample, it’s important to wait as long as possible after urinating to take the test. If you have urinated within the last two hours before you give the specimen, it could skew the test results.

Effects of STD Window Period on Test Results

If you have a negative STD test, but you’re still worried, the cause of your negative result is most likely due to the window period. The STD window period is the amount of time it takes for an STD to register on a test. What does this mean, and how can it affect your STD test results?

If you’re exposed to an STD and end up catching it, you won’t test positive right away. That can have some significant side effects on your sexual health. For example, if you get tested within the window period and receive a false negative, you could transmit the disease to sexual partners.

Another dangerous effect of getting tested too soon during the window period is delaying treatment. If you don’t receive treatment for an STD, it can cause adverse effects on your health and well-being.

Here are the window periods for the most common STDs:

  • HIV: Between 10 and 90 days
  • Chlamydia: one to two weeks
  • Syphilis: one to three weeks
  • Hepatitis: Between two and six weeks
  • Gonorrhea: five to 14 days
  • HPV: three weeks to about three months
  • Trichomoniasis: one week to 30 days
  • Herpes: one to four months

As you can see, it’s essential to get regular STD tests since the window period can have such significant effects on your results.

Coping with Anxiety: My STD Test Came Back Negative, But I’m Still Worried

You may feel nervous or anxious when you have to undergo STD testing. That’s why the clinical staff at Rapid STD Testing takes the time to discuss mental health as it relates to sexual health, STD testing, and negative results.

First, if you’re feeling down, depressed, anxious, lonely, or upset, there is help. You can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm EST at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can also email info@nami.org.

The stigma surrounding mental health and sexual health makes these topics particularly challenging to discuss and can even cause feelings of anxiety or depression. If you feel those negative emotions, try to avoid looking at information from untrustworthy sources. Instead, schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor about your concerns.

Tips for Coping with Anxiety About Your Test Results

You should also remember that it’s not only inevitable but healthy to have different feelings and emotions about sexual health, STD testing, and your test results. When this happens, there are some techniques you can use to help you calm down and stay in the moment.

The first method you can use combines two techniques: deep breathing and positive affirmations. Use a simple one-two-three counting process and deep breaths while you say positive things out loud to yourself, like: “I may feel worried about my health, but I’ll get through this because I’m strong.”

You can also try visualizing yourself eliminating any unhealthy thoughts, feelings, or emotions. Let the negativity go, and then continue with deep breathing and positive affirmations.

Other Common Questions About STDs and Negative Results

Can you test negative for STDs like Chlamydia and still have them?

Yes, you can test negative for STDs and still have them. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common STDs that can cause false negatives, especially if you get tested too quickly.

All my STD tests were negative, but I still have symptoms. What should I do?

If your STD test was negative, but you’re still worried or experiencing symptoms, you need to speak to a doctor, who may recommend that you take another test. You could have a false negative, so the best way to know whether you contracted an STD is to get tested again.

Take Control of Your Sexual Health Today

Order a test panel online from Rapid STD Testing today and take control of your sexual health and well-being. Visit one of our convenient locations for same-day STD testing and fast, confidential, and accurate results.

 

Can You Donate Blood If You Have Herpes? Risks and Considerations

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Most people think of herpes as an STD (sexually transmitted disease), but you don’t need to have sex to contract this virus. You can contract herpes through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, especially if you touch a herpes sore. Herpes can also spread via utensils, lip balms, and other items that have touched the sores of an infected person.

Herpes is so common that over half of the U.S. population carries the virus, and one out of six of those carriers has genital herpes. The virus can stay in the human body for life, but it is not life-threatening. However, it can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially when it causes visible sores around the mouth or genitals.

Can you donate blood if you have herpes?

The right answer to this question depends on various factors, such as if you recently had intercourse with a genital herpes carrier or if you have visible herpes symptoms. Before delving more deeply into whether you can donate blood if you have herpes, let’s look at the symptoms and types of herpes.

Signs and Symptoms of Herpes

Depending on your immune system and the herpes strain you contract, you may not notice any herpes symptoms. In fact, some people’s herpes symptoms are so mild they think it’s pimples or the flu.

For example, if you catch oral herpes, you won’t feel sick, but you may develop cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth or on the lips. Sores may also appear inside your mouth.

Having herpes sores as an adult or child can be upsetting, but the sores are typically harmless. However, on newborn babies, these sores can prove deadly. Cold sores on adults may last for a few weeks before fading on their own. They may pop up again every other week or month, especially during periods of stress.

According to the Mayo Clinic, genital herpes symptoms are more severe than oral herpes symptoms. The symptoms may include:

  • Itchy or painful blisters around the penis, scrotum, vulva, cervix, vagina, anus, or inner thighs
  • Burning or painful urination
  • Lower back or leg pain
  • Trouble peeing due to sores blocking the urethra

Patients with genital herpes caused by HSV-2 may also experience:

  • Fever or chills
  • Headache
  • Swollen glands in the throat, pelvic area, or under the arms
  • Lethargy
  • Body ache

Genital herpes symptoms typically manifest 2 to 20 days after the initial infection. The first sore outbreak may last for two to four weeks. Also, according to WebMD, genital herpes can increase the risk of women developing cervical cancer.

Note that if your symptoms dissipate, it doesn’t mean you no longer have the virus. Herpes is one of the STDs with no cure, and you can still infect other people even if you have no visible symptoms.

Differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2

According to the World Health Organization, there are two types of herpes simplex virus – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). About 67% of the global population has HSV-1, while 13% are HSV-2 carriers.

Having HSV-2 can increase the risk of contracting another sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV. That’s because HSV-2 causes genital herpes, which causes sores around your genitals. These sores create openings for STDs in bodily fluids to enter the body during intercourse.

While HSV-2 causes genital herpes, HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes. Even though each virus type has its preferred location for proliferation, it is possible to have HSV-1 on your genitals and HSV-2 around your mouth.

Can you donate blood if you have herpes type 1? You can if you do not have active herpes symptoms or have not recently used an antiviral medication.

If You Have Genital Herpes, Can You Donate Blood?

Before discussing whether you can donate blood when you have herpes, we need to answer the question: Can herpes be transmitted through blood donation?

Previously, blood collection facilities allowed herpes carriers to donate blood as long as they did not have an active infection. That’s because many believed that herpes could spread only during intercourse or via direct skin-to-skin contact.

However, recent studies suggest that herpes may spread via blood transfusions, regardless of whether the infected has an active infection. Since there isn’t enough evidence to support this theory, many facilities still accept blood from herpes carriers.

Can you donate blood if you have herpes simplex virus type 2?

HSV-2 may be worse than HSV-1, but many facilities accept blood donations from carriers of either virus. However, if you have HSV-1 or 2, you may not qualify to donate blood if you have fresh or unhealed lesions or cold sores. You can return to donate after your herpes sores have healed or 48 hours after receiving antiviral medication for the infection.

Note that antiviral medication won’t cure herpes. It will only minimize the symptoms and help them dissipate faster. For example, a doctor may prescribe Imiquimod, Sinecatechins, Podofilox to relieve the blisters. Other useful antivirals for managing herpes symptoms are Famciclovir, Acyclovir, and Valacyclovir.

According to the American Red Cross, people with oral or genital herpes can donate blood as long as they meet these eligibility requirements:

  • Be in general good health
  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds

If you still have doubts about your eligibility to donate blood, visit a Rapid STD Testing center to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Alternately, order for same-day STD testing online. Getting tested is especially important if you recently had unprotected sex or have any other reason to suspect that you have herpes.

After your doctor or a Rapid STD Test confirms your eligibility to donate blood, visit the Red Cross website or AABB website to find nearby places where you can donate blood.

Donating Blood with Other STDs

Hospitals and emergency treatment facilities across the United States rely on blood donations to save lives every day. However, using infected blood can cause more harm than good. That’s why, before you can donate blood, you have to undergo screening for transmissible diseases.

The screening typically involves filling out a survey that asks questions about your health. Should you provide incorrect or false information, your donated blood will still undergo screening before medical facilities use it.

What STDS do they check for when you donate blood?

CDC guidelines recommend checking donated blood for these STDs:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Types 1 and 2: HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. It is also transmissible through tainted blood. The virus compromises the immune system’s ability to stave off bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause illness. Within two to six weeks of contracting HIV, patients may experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and lethargy.
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Not treating HIV will lead to it becoming AIDS. AIDS is incurable, and it can be life-threatening. Its symptoms include severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea, shortness of breath, and coughing.
  • Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV): HTLV, also called Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus, can cause leukemia/lymphoma – cancer of the bone marrow or blood. HTLV can spread through blood, breast milk, and semen.
  • Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that compromise the liver. If left untreated, the disease may cause fatigue, vomiting, fever, and jaundice.
  • Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis): Syphilis is a curable STD that affects the genitals and spreads to the brain and heart if left untreated. Symptoms may include sores all over the body, fatigue, fever, and soreness. As the condition worsens, it can cause paralysis, loss of coordination, dementia, and blindness.

What are signs you need STD testing?

If you notice any strange discharge or odors from your genitals or unusual growths or sensations around your genitals, get a Rapid STD Testing 10 panel STD test. The test can check for most of the STDs that disqualify people from being blood donors.

Besides STDs, you may not be eligible to donate blood if you test positive for:

  • West Nile Virus (WNV)
  • Zika Virus (ZIKV)
  • Babesia
  • Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease)
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

When Can’t You Donate Blood?

The American Red Cross warns against donating blood if you have done any of the following in the past three months:

  • Worked as a sex worker
  • Taken Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Truvada for preventing HIV
  • Had sex with someone who has HIV, HTLV, or Hepatitis B or C
  • Injected recreational drugs or had sex with someone who injected drugs not prescribed by a doctor

People who do the above are at a higher risk of contracting an STD or other diseases that make blood unsuitable for transfusions. You also shouldn’t donate blood if you weigh less than 110 pounds. If you give blood while weighing less than 110 pounds, your weight may drop too quickly and trigger health complications.

People who have (or have had) the following conditions should also not give blood:

  • Hemochromatosis – a hereditary disorder that causes iron salts to accumulate in the tissues, leading to liver damage, diabetes mellitus, and other issues
  • Leukemia, lymphoma, or Hodgkin’s disease in the past
  • A dura mater (brain covering) transplant
  • A Zika infection in the last four months
  • Ebola at any time in your life
  • Hepatitis B or C or jaundice without an identified cause
  • A trip to a place where malaria is widespread
  • A blood transfusion within the last year
  • Made a donation of whole blood within the last 56 days

 If you have active tuberculosis or any other sickness, you shouldn’t donate blood. That’s because donating blood weakens you, which can complicate your recovery. Only donate blood after fully recovering from any sickness you might have.

People on the following medications also cannot donate blood:

  • Narcotics for pain
  • Antiplatelet medications
  • Antibiotics for bacterial illnesses
  • Blood thinners
  • Growth hormone injections
  • Acne medications that contain isotretinoin
  • Finasteride and dutasteride for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
  • Soriatane for psoriasis

Lastly, you cannot donate blood while you are drunk. That’s because alcohol dilates blood vessels and hinders blood flow to the brain. Should you donate blood while drunk, it will reduce blood flow to your brain, leading to dizziness, fainting, and possibly long-term harm to your health.

What You Should Know Before Donating Blood

Besides saving the lives of others, donating blood can be emotionally and physically beneficial. According to the Mental Health Foundation, donating blood can:

  • Alleviate stress
  • Boost your emotional well-being
  • Prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing harmful iron deposits

Also, when you go to donate blood, you get a free health checkup. The checkup will identify whether you are healthy enough to give blood by checking your:

  • Pulse
  • Body temperature
  • Blood pressure
  • Hemoglobin levels

Failing the screening could mean that you have a health issue that you were unaware of, and you can seek help before it gets worse.

Donating blood is safe as long as you are a healthy adult. Since the medical personnel use sterile equipment for each donor, you don’t have to worry about picking up diseases from other donors. However, depending on your physiology and other factors, you may briefly experience these side effects after giving blood:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Slight bruising, swelling, or bleeding where the needle entered your arm
  • Arm pain, numbness, or tingling

If you experience physical weakness after donating blood, it should pass after a while. You can speed up your recovery by resting with your feet up and drink lots of water, herbal tea, or broth.

Note that most states require you to be over 17 before you can donate whole blood. Some other states permit 16-year-olds to donate as long as they have parental consent. Before donating blood, eat a healthy meal with low-fat content and drink at least 16 ounces of water.

If you drink or smoke, avoid doing either at least 12 hours before donating blood. Lastly, wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt so that your blood-giving arm will be easily accessible.

Get a Rapid STD Test and Verify Your Eligibility to Donate Blood and Save Lives

Now that you know the answer to the question about whether you can donate blood if you have herpes, you are probably considering getting tested. At Rapid STD Testing, we keep the process of getting tested for STDs convenient, affordable, and private. You can order at-home tests or get tested at one of our nearby STD testing centers and then check your results online within one to three days. 

Contact us at Rapid STD Testing today to order a test panel or find STD testing centers near you.

 

What STDs Should I Get Tested For? Timeline and Ways to Know

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported in 2018 that around 20% of Americans had an STD. That means that, if you are sexually active, one out of five of the people you’ve had sex with probably had an STD. If you’ve been having unprotected sex, you should get tested for STDs as soon as possible.

What STDs should I get tested for?

According to the same CDC report, the most common STDs among Americans include:

  •     Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
  •     Chlamydia
  •     Gonorrhea
  •     Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  •     Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)
  •     Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  •     Syphilis
  •     Trichomoniasis

While diseases like genital herpes (HSV-2) are non-fatal, HIV and some other diseases on the list can compromise long-term health. Check to find out if you are STD-free by contacting Rapid STD Testing for a 10 panel STD test today.

The Importance of STD testing

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t show obvious symptoms until it’s too late. Don’t let that be your situation. By getting tested as often as possible, you can catch sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in their early stages and stop them from getting out of hand.

For instance, if you contract HIV and get tested while the disease is in its infancy, you can get treated and prevent the ailment from becoming full-blown AIDS. Other STDs may lead to these health complications if you don’t know your status and get treatment on time:

  •     Infertility
  •     Pelvic inflammatory disease
  •     Liver disease or liver failure
  •     Cervical cancer
  •     Heart and blood vessel damage
  •     Miscarriages or passing the STD to your baby during birth

Knowing your status on time will also help you take measures to prevent infecting other people.

How often should you get tested for STD?      

At Rapid STD Testing, we recommend getting an STD test every time you have unprotected casual sex. Also, the CDC recommends that you get tested every three to six months if you have multiple or anonymous partners.

Getting tested every time you have unprotected sex will not stop you from catching a disease. However, it will let you know when you have an STD so that you can get help before the disease causes lasting damage to your health. Also, if you know you have an STD, you can avoid making mistakes that might lead to your loved ones catching the illness.

How do I know where to get tested?

Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far to find where to get tested for STDs. Our Rapid STD Test service allows you to order an at-home STD test and get your results online. It’s hassle-free and inexpensive, meaning you have no reason not to check your STD status today.

Guidelines on What STD Tests You Should Get

Be sure to get tested immediately if you notice symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. The type of STI testing you should get will depend on your symptoms. For example, if you are experiencing any of the following, get tested for chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea:

  •     Burning sensations during urination
  •     Abnormal discharge from your genitals
  •     Anal or vaginal bleeding

Better yet, cover all your bases by getting tested for every possible STD.

What STD tests should you get if you have no symptoms but have had unprotected sex with multiple partners? Get tested for these STDs:

1.  Gonorrhea

According to the CDC, around 1.6 million new gonorrhea cases occurred in the U.S. in a recent year (2018). More than half of those cases were among people between 15 and 24 years old. Gonorrhea is an STD that infects mucous membranes in the reproductive tract. It can affect a man’s urethra and the uterus, cervix, urethra, and fallopian tubes in women.

Gonorrhea symptoms include:

  •     White, yellow, or green penile discharge
  •     Testicular or scrotal pain
  •     Vaginal discharge
  •     Vaginal bleeding between periods
  •     Anal itching
  •     Painful bowel movements

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to male or female infertility. Most testing facilities check for gonorrhea by taking a urine test or penile or vaginal swab and assessing the sample in a lab.

2.  Chlamydia

According to the CDC, all sexually active women under 25 years old should undergo chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at least once a year. In the U.S., chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI, and in 2018, there were nearly 1.8 million cases.

Chlamydia is most common among women between the ages of 20 and 24 years old. Its symptoms include:

  •     Burning sensation during urination
  •     Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
  •     Sores around the genitals
  •     Swollen or painful testicles
  •     Vaginal bleeding between periods

If you have multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has multiple sex partners, or similar risk factors, you should get a chlamydia test every year.

3.  HIV

If you have multiple sex partners and do not practice safe sex, you should get tested for HIV at least every three to six months. At Rapid STD Testing, we also recommend getting tested for HIV if you:

  •     Test positive for any STI
  •     Use intravenous drugs recreationally
  •     Are with child or plan on getting pregnant
  •     Recently had unprotected intercourse against your will

The CDC advises that everyone between 13 and 64 years old undergo an HIV test at least once as part of routine health care. Note that HIV testing requires a blood test.

4.  Syphilis

Syphilis is an STD that can cause serious health complications if you do not receive proper treatment quickly. According to Statista, syphilis in the U.S. is most common in men between 25 and 29 years old. In 2019, there were 129,813 new syphilis cases.

If you notice syphilis symptoms like painless genital sores, mouth ulcers, body rashes, or fever, you should get a syphilis test as soon as possible. You should also get tested if you recently had oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has recently received a syphilis diagnosis.

5.  HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, while others cause genital warts. Around 79 million Americans have HPV, and about 14 million people get infected each year. Many people don’t even know they have HPV, and the virus disappears on its own after a couple of years.

Male HPV testing usually involves a visual inspection or genital warts biopsy. Female HPV testing may involve a pap test. We recommend that women between 21 and 65 get tested every three years.

6.  Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection, and most people who contract it never experience symptoms. Those that experience symptoms could develop cold sores around their mouth if they contracted herpes simplex virus type 1. Developing genital sores usually indicates a herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. Get tested if you experience either or both symptoms.

According to Planned Parenthood, one out of six Americans has genital herpes. WebMD states that approximately one out of five women has genital herpes, while around one out of nine men has the virus.

7.  Hepatitis

The CDC recommends that every pregnant woman get a hepatitis B and C test during the early stages of pregnancy. If the test is positive, your doctor can take measures to prevent the infection from affecting the baby’s health. The CDC also advises that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 get a hepatitis C test.

While hepatitis A, B, and C are different, they have overlapping symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, jaundice, lethargy, and fever.

STD Testing Options

Every STD requires a different type of test. For example, HIV testing requires a blood test, while chlamydia and gonorrhea require urine tests. At Rapid STD Testing, we offer convenient screening options, such as: 

1.  Laboratory Screening

You can visit one of our FDA-approved testing facilities for your STD test. Since we have over 2,500 facilities spread across the U.S., you should have no trouble finding one that’s close.

How does STD testing work?

We keep STD tests as painless as possible by using minimally invasive tactics to get the samples we need. Before collecting samples, we will ask some questions about your sexual health. Since we will use your answers to determine the appropriate tests to administer, it’s essential to provide us with honest answers.

If your test comes back positive, we have specialists that can guide you towards the best treatment for your STD. Don’t forget that the sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment and prevent the STD from causing irreversible damage to your health—or spreading it to others.

We follow Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) guidelines regarding medical privacy. That means your health information is safe with us, and only you and your doctor can access your health and medical history.

2.  At-Home STD Testing

If you can’t make time to visit an STD testing facility, our at-home STD testing services have you covered. We offer test panels for all the common types of STDs. You can test for multiple STDs by ordering for one of these test panel packages:

  •     Rapid STD Basic Panel: It tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
  •     Rapid STD Test Panel: It tests herpes, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
  •     Rapid STD Test Panel Plus: You can use it for herpes, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV RNA early detection.

Alternatively, if you have a specific STD that you’d like to test for, we recommend getting our Individual Test kit. We have individual test kits for ten different STDs.

Our test kits are user-friendly, and we test samples in FDA-approved, CLIA-certified labs to ensure accurate results. After receiving your samples, we can provide you with the results within one to three days.

Our at-home STD testing service and online result delivery are 100% discreet. If your test comes back positive, our medical experts can guide you towards the best STD treatment.

Getting an STD Test Has Never Been Easier  

Now that you have answers to what STDs you should get tested for, are you ready to get an STD test? If so, contact Rapid STD Testing for same-day STD testing at one of our nearby testing centers. Alternatively, order online for an at-home STD test panel.