If you are sexually active and concerned you’ve developed a sexually transmitted disease (STI), you may be wondering about the accuracy of tests used to identify the presence of an STI.
The short answer is they are very accurate, but some conditions can impact the overall accuracy.
While at-home STI tests are available for purchase, there can be a higher chance of getting a false result than if you receive testing at a medical clinic. This occurs because there is a higher chance of taking an STI test improperly if you are at home and not following testing protocols at a clinic.
Why Proper STI Testing is Important
Thinking you may have an STI, or having had a positive result from an at-home test, can feel overwhelming and embarrassing.
However, getting confirmation and treatment from medical professionals as soon as possible is very important to protecting your health and your partner’s health.
Also, it’s important to know you are not alone. According to the CDC, nearly 20% of the U.S. population experiences an STI. The most common STIs that occur include chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, and HPV, although there are several others that are also possible.
While STIs are usually contracted through sexual activity, it is also possible to pass an STI to another individual through childbirth, blood transfusions, and sharing drug needles or even through skin-to-skin contact.
Early identification of an STI is important in protecting your health, as undiagnosed STIs can lead to more serious complications like heart disease, infertility, and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).
Signs of an STI
Knowing the common symptoms of an STI can be a helpful first warning that medical intervention is needed. But remember, it is possible to have an STI and not be aware of it and not be aware of it, since many STIs do not have immediate symptoms..
Key symptoms of the presence of an STI can include:
- Painful urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes
- Unusual discharge
Next Steps
If you suspect you may have an STI or are sexually active and have not yet been tested, it can be confusing knowing what to do or where to go.
That’s why the team at LifeLine Pregnancy Center is here for you.
Our free and confidential appointments allow our trained staff to answer all your questions and give you the next steps you can take to protect your health and future.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to get more information about how to get tested for STIs.
