Does Alcohol Affect STD Test Results?

Whenever you undergo a medical treatment or procedure, a healthcare provider will inevitably ask you about the medications and supplements you take, as well as whether you consume drugs or alcohol.

Asking about alcohol before an STD test may seem strange, and you might have asked yourself, “Does alcohol affect STD test results?” Though it may seem shocking, there is a chance that alcohol and STD test accuracy could be related. This article outlines how alcohol consumption has the potential to throw an STD test as well as some helpful STD testing guidelines for drinkers seeking a rapid STD test.

The Impact of Alcohol on the Immune System and STD Accuracy

While alcohol consumption is known to affect the human body in a number of ways, its specific impact on the production of antibodies and their role in detecting sexually transmitted diseases involves a scientifically complex interplay of factors.

Indeed, there is a relationship between alcohol and the immune system, in which drinking can suppress the immune system and potentially lead to inaccurate STD results. One of the most notable effects that alcohol has on the immune system and STD accuracy is in the level of antibodies.

Because antibodies are integral to many STD detection tests, when alcohol decreases the number of antibodies in the system, it could lead to an inaccurate STD result in the form of a false negative.

For example, serological tests are tests that detect a disease due to the presence of antibodies. However, alcohol-induced immunosuppression may impact the production of these antibodies. When antibodies are produced, they may be delayed. This could result in an initial false negative, where the disease may not be initially detected but could be detected later.

The STD tests that can be affected due to antibody production and alcohol intake include:

• HIV antibody tests
• Syphilis serological tests
• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) tests
• Hepatitis C antibody tests
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) antibody tests

The most important thing to keep in mind is that alcohol consumption can lead to false negatives in STD results, and that can lead to a false sense of security. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol has a suppressive effect on the immune system, which, in turn, lowers the number of antibodies in the blood. This can lead to a false negative on an STD test. In other words, you could have the STD you’re being tested for but still show a negative test result.

One night of drinking may not move the needle enough to impact test results. However, long-term, chronic alcohol consumption can significantly impact the accuracy of STD test results.

Not only can alcohol consumption affect the accuracy of test results, but it can also make you more likely to contract an STD in the first place. Specifically, because alcohol has been shown to cause immune system suppression, the body becomes less effective at fighting STD-related infections.

Therefore, becoming more susceptible to the flu and common cold aren’t the only risks associated with alcohol consumption and sexual health. It turns out that alcohol consumption can also make you at a higher risk for STDs. You’ve probably heard that alcohol can harm the liver, and the viral immune response in the liver is similarly affected, which could lead to an increased risk of contracting STDs like Hepatitis C and HIV.

Another added risk is alcohol’s effect on the body’s ability to produce white blood cells. In general, alcohol can lower white blood cell counts. Because white blood cells play a vital role in fighting infections, reducing their numbers can make it more difficult to ward off STD infections when your body is exposed to them.   

As a result, if you consume alcohol regularly, you could be at higher risk of contracting an STD.

Alcohol-Induced Risk Behaviors and STD Transmission

Alcohol is known to influence behavior and decision-making, making people generally more sociable with lower inhibitions. It’s not uncommon for those who are intoxicated to engage in risky sexual behaviors, which can make it more likely to contract or spread an STD.

Risky behaviors that may be more common with alcohol consumption include:

• Having unprotected sex
• Engaging in sex with unknown partners
• Not asking about past partners or health history
• Sharing needles
• Increased vulnerability of sexual assault
• Inability to perceive that behavior is high risk

Not everyone who drinks alcohol is going to engage in risky behavior or unsafe sex; however, the chances are significantly higher when alcohol is involved. This is especially true for younger age groups who may have less experience with alcohol and are experiencing freedom as an adult for the first time. Notably, the age group at highest risk for contracting an STD is individuals between 18 to 25 years old.

Overall, excessive alcohol consumption can create a perfect storm of risky behavior that promotes alcohol-induced STD transmission. Numerous studies have reported on this connection. Here are some notable findings:

• Research conducted by The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that there is a strong correlation between alcohol use and the number of sexual partners one has. 
• The Lancet recently published a global study finding that alcohol consumption makes it more likely that couples won’t use condoms, and countries with higher levels of alcohol consumption tend to engage in higher rates of unprotected sex
  
• Recent findings show that there is an association between binge drinking and unsafe sex, making it more likely that someone who has been drinking heavily on an occasion will have unprotected sex.

Binge drinking is considered especially risky when it comes to STDs. Specifically, men who engage in binge drinking are nearly four times more likely to contract an STD than males who do not drink at all. According to the CDC, binge drinking is defined as a man consuming at least five drinks on a single occasion. The statistic is adjusted to four or more drinks for women.

Preparing for an STD Test: Guidelines for Alcohol Consumers

Assuming you are of legal drinking age, there is nothing wrong with indulging responsibly. However, if you plan on undergoing STD testing, there are some things you need to know about preparing for STD testing with alcohol use.  

As a general guideline, you should abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before a test. The biggest risk is a false negative, and a short period of alcohol abstinence before testing can ensure the most accurate results.

False negatives can be an issue with STD tests because they may end up provide a false sense of security that can put you, your current partner, and your future partners at risk. If you have a negative test result for an STD that you actually have, you can jeopardize your health by not seeking the necessary treatment, increasing your risk of adverse or long-term health effects.

Further, it is important to know your STD status to avoid unknowingly passing an STD to your partner, which perpetuates the spread of a disease that could have been easily detected with a 10-panel STD test.

To ensure accurate STD test results, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you regularly consume alcohol:

• Avoid any alcohol consumption within 24 hours of your STD test
• If asked by a healthcare provider, be honest about your alcohol consumption
• If you suspect a false negative, schedule another follow-up STD test
• Dehydration can make it more difficult to provide a urine sample

If you are currently under the influence of alcohol, avoid taking an STD test until you are sober. Intoxication can compromise your ability to provide a proper sample. This is especially true if your hand-eye coordination or motor skills have been affected.

Some tests are affected by alcohol more than others, especially for STDs that affect liver function. For example, hepatitis affects the liver, so a test for hepatitis may be impacted if you are also a habitual drinker. This is one of the reasons why disclosing alcohol habits is helpful in the context of seeking healthcare services, including STD testing.   

Cheers to Clarity: Understanding the Link Between Alcohol and STD Test Outcomes

The influence of alcohol on STD test results may be significant, and staying informed empowers both better decision-making and more accurate test results.

We encourage you to take charge of your well-being and get tested regularly. Be sure to discuss any lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider. Everybody’s health journey is unique, and seeking clarity through testing ensures you can confidently raise your glass to a healthier, happier future.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been tested or you are about to embark on a physical relationship with a new partner, make transparency a priority and get an STD test today. At Rapid STD Testing, we provide same-day STD testing.