STD Testing Specialist
-
- Tweet
Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville
OBGYNs located in Jacksonville, FL
Left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have a permanent impact on your health. At Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville, Daniel McDyer, MD, and Julian Stephen Suhrer, MD, offer STD testing as part of their full suite of women's health care services. Many women don't realize their health is at risk from STDs. That's why the practice provides STD testing during Pap smears and well-woman exams at their office in Jacksonville, Florida. Early diagnosis is essential for protecting your long-term health. If you're concerned about STDs, don't wait. Call today or schedule a consultation online.
STD Testing Q & A
What are STDs?
Sexual contact spreads sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Many people think that you can only catch an STD through penetrative sex. But STDs are often spread by oral sex or other forms of sexual contact. Anyone sexually active could be at risk.
What are some symptoms of an STD?
There are over 20 known STDs. The most common STDs in the United States include:
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
Symptoms of an STD can include:
- Genital itching
- Anal itching
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination
- Bleeding between periods
- Sores or warts around the genitals
STDs can also cause discharge from your genitals. This discharge is often cloudy, foul-smelling, or discolored. If you notice any changes in the way your genitals look or feel, call Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville right away to schedule an exam.
What happens during STD testing?
Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville knows that STD tests can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. The staff works hard to help you feel relaxed and confident during your STD testing.
On the day of your test, you first meet with a nurse to discuss your symptoms. Your nurse may collect a urine sample for testing. Next, you change into an exam gown.
Dr. McDyer or Dr. Suhrer examine your genitals for signs of infection. They take swabs of your vaginal fluids and any visible sores.
Some STDs don't show up in a urine test or vaginal swab. Your doctor may also suggest a mouth swab or a blood test to rule out all possible infections.
After the samples are collected, the staff sends them to a lab for testing. Your doctor or nurse can let you know when to expect your results.
It’s important to remember that STD testing is an essential part of well-woman health care. Many STDs cause no symptoms, so your doctor may recommend testing as part of your annual pelvic exam and Pap smear.
During a Pap smear, your doctor also checks for signs of HPV (human papillomavirus), as this disease can sometimes be responsible for cervical cancer.
What are my STD treatment options?
If one or more of your STD tests come back positive, it's normal to feel distressed. But keep in mind that STDs are common. Even people who practice safe sex sometimes contract an STD. There's no need to feel ashamed of your diagnosis.
Your doctor provides you with the treatment you need for your STD. Many STDs clear up with antibiotics or special creams.
For others, there is no cure, but can still be controlled with prescription medication. Dr. McDyer and Dr. Suhrer can explain what you can do to manage your condition.
Some STDs, like HPV, can be prevented through vaccines. Getting vaccinated may help protect you against cervical cancer or other health complications. If you’re missing one or more vaccines, Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville can help.
For STD testing from a discreet and compassionate team of medical professionals, call the office today or schedule a consultation online.
