How Accurate Are STD Tests?
If you’ve had sex and are considering getting an STD test, or if you’ve already received results, you may be wondering about the accuracy of STD tests. The answer is that it depends.
At-home STD test kits aren’t always as accurate as getting tested by a healthcare professional. This is because at-home kits have a higher margin of user error.
Read on to learn more about the most common STDs and what to do if you receive a positive result.
The Most Common STDs
According to the CDC, nearly 20% of the U.S. population experiences an STD, and the most commonly occurring STDs include chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and HPV. However, HIV and gonorrhea are also high on the list.
STD testing is essential because many STDs don’t cause symptoms, which means you can have an active infection and not even know it.
What If I Receive a Positive Test Result?
If you received a positive result on an STD test, you’re likely feeling scared and worried about your health. You might also feel shame and guilt. All these feelings are normal.
The most important first step to take is to follow up with a healthcare professional. They will discuss treatment options and provide counseling on what to expect. If you’ve received a difficult diagnosis, talking to someone you trust about the news can help you work through the emotions you’re feeling.
The next step is to tell your sexual partner(s) about your test results. While this might feel difficult to do, it’s important to tell them so that they can receive treatment as soon as possible.
Next Steps
If you’re worried that you might have an STD, or if you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested lately, it’s important to get tested to protect your health. At Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, we offer confidential STD testing at no cost to you.
If you already received a positive result on an STD test and need to talk to someone or are seeking treatment, contact us today to discuss your options. What you’re feeling is normal, but we’re here for you. You’re not alone.
Medical Screening Before An Abortion
A positive result on a pregnancy test isn’t enough. Get the information you need before scheduling an abortion. We can provide this screening for you at no cost.
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test, be confident you got the correct result with our free pregnancy testing service. You’ll have your test result during your appointment that day.
Ultrasounds
You need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy, if your pregnancy is viable (growing), and its location. Critical information you can only get with an ultrasound.
Medical Screening Before An Abortion
A positive result on a pregnancy test isn’t enough. Get the information you need before scheduling an abortion. We can provide this screening for you at no cost.
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test, be confident you got the correct result with our free pregnancy testing service. You’ll have your test result during your appointment that day.
Ultrasounds
You need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy, if your pregnancy is viable (growing), and its location. Critical information you can only get with an ultrasound.
