How can you get tested for STDs?

Thanks for your question. For anyone who has ever had sex it’s important to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) regularly.

Where to Get Tested

• You can get tested for STDs at your health care providers office.
• If you are in the United States, here’s a website that can help you find STI testing near you:
  https://gettested.cdc.gov/

How Testing is Done for STDs

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: For guys this is usually done by taking a sample of urine, which basically means you pee into a cup and they test the urine. It is important test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea at all sites of sexual contact. So, if you have oral sex, you should also get a throat swab. This test is like the test for Strep throat. If you have anal sex, you should also get a rectal/anal swab. This swab can be done by you or by the health care provider.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis, Hepatitis C: There are blood tests to check for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C.
• Herpes Simplex Virus: This testing is usually done by taking a swab of a vesicle (a small fluid filled cyst) or ulcer on your skin/genitals. Sometimes blood tests are used to check for Herpes.