STD Testing

TeenHealthFX reccommends that all sexually active teenagers get tested for STDs. FX understands that the thought of STD testing can be overwhelming. We’re here to help!  

The Basics: 

1. What is an STD?  

• STD stands for sexually transmitted disease.  

• STDs are infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can read about common STDs by checking out Planned Parenthood: STDs.  

2. Who Should Get Tested for STDs? 

• Anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STDs.  

• More specific recommendations based on age and sexual orientation are available on CDC: STD & HIV Screening Recommendations.  

3. Where Can I Get Tested? 

• Your primary care physician can refer you to a local gynecologist, urologist or other medical professional who is able to screen for STD’s. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.  

• Planned Parenthood: Find a Health Center is a great tool for locating a Planned Parenthood health center near you.  

During the Test: 

1. What will the test be like? What should I expect? 

• The process will begin with a conversation with your doctor. He/she will inquire about your sexual history. These questions may include number of sexual partners and any methods of birth control that you currently use.  

• Next, he/she will ask if you have experienced any STD symptoms, such as genital irritation, itching, rash, and/or unusual discharge. 

• Based on this conversation, your doctor will decide which testing method is best. Common procedures include: 

  - Blood sample (from either a blood draw or a finger prick) 

  - Urine sample 

  - Swab of the inside of the mouth

  - Swab from the genitals, such as the urethra in guys or the cervix in girls 

  - Swab of any discharge or sores 

After the Test: 

1. When will I receive my STD results? 

• Some STD results are available immediately in the doctor’s office.  

• Most commonly, the sample is sent to a lab and the results come a few days later.   

2. I Tested Positive for an STD. What Now? 

• Don’t panic! Your doctor is there to help you throughout the treatment proccess. He/she will schedule a follow-up visit in order to discuss your options. Most STD’s are easy to treat, and curable with medication. 

• Inform your sexual partner(s) that you have contracted an infection, so they are able to get tested and treatment, if necessary.  

• Familiarize yourself with your birth control options so you can practice safe sex. Using condoms is the best way to reduce the likelihood of spreading and/or contracting sexually transmitted infections.  

TeenHealthFX encourages our viewers to check out our Resource of the Month: Planned Parenthood Resources on Safer Sex to learn about sexual readiness, how pregnancy happens, birth control, STDs, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception and more.