Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are more common than many people think. It is easier to contract them than the prevailing knowledge might suggest.
When you think you have an STD, you will be tempted to fly off in panic or rage. However, you should calm down and make sure that you indeed do have an STD.
The only way to know for sure whether you have got an STD is to get tested. Testing for STDs is done in several places including:
Your Doctor’s Office
The first place you can go if you think you have an STD is your regular doctor. If you have health insurance or any sort of healthcare plan, then you will have a general practitioner whom you regularly visit.
A general practitioner will have the equipment to test if you have an STD. If they do not have an in-house lab, they may send you to an external one.
The obvious benefit of being tested by your regular doctor is that you already have a relationship which makes it much easier than a new doctor.
Local Health Departments
State health centers now have funding that allows them to test for STDs. It is very low cost and, in some cases, it is actually free.
They will test for a wide spectrum of STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Additional tests may include testing for herpes or Hep C.
You can find your local health department using Google Maps. Just call them and they will tell you what to do.
Online
There are services online that will help you to get tested for STDs. However, you will need to send your bloodwork to a lab they direct you to for the results.
The online service will begin by asking you to fill a questionnaire about your condition. The process is called online STD screening. Based on the results, they will advise you on a course of action.
There are a lot of fake STD screening services online so you should find a reputable one. Otherwise, you might pay money to a company only to get bogus results.
Planned Parenthood Locations
Planned Parenthood is another organization that receives funding from the government and other charitable sources. What you pay for an STD test will depend on factors such as income and whether you are on government assistance.
Therefore, you may find that you can get tested at Planned Parenthood locations for absolutely free. The best part is that they will test for many other things including pregnancy in a very comprehensive checkup.
Mobile Clinics
There are mobile clinics all over the country offering free STD testing. They are traveling units whose goal is to offer low-cost healthcare to those who can’t afford it.
One of their main services is STD testing. If you are positive, they will advise you on which actions to take. You can find them using Mobile Health Maps.
The places above are the main locations where you can get an adequate STD test. You should always try different locations to ascertain the results. It will depend on which method is most convenient for you.