STD Testing

Things to know about STD testing centers

If you're sexually active, getting regular STD testing is a wise idea. STD tests can detect conditions that are currently asymptomatic. Also, since early detection is key to the successful treatment of many STDs, it is very important that you see a doctor if you have any symptoms that concern you.

The most common STD tests administered by doctors are screenings for gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are highly recommended if you've recently had sexual contact with a new partner or if you have multiple sex partners. Your doctor will test for other sexually transmitted diseases at his or her discretion, based on your risk factors for contracting them. You can also ask to be tested for specific diseases, such as HIV, scabies, pubic lice and syphilis.

Chlamydia

Symptoms and treatment

Caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia is the most-reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in America. Despite this statistic, chlamydia is referred to as a "silent" STD, since, due to a lack of symptoms, three-quarters of women and one-half of men who are infected are not aware they have it. Unfortunately, it is these mild or absent symptoms that allows chlamydia to silently damage a woman's reproductive system. Since the damage is irreversible and can lead to infertility, every sexually active person should be aware of the subtle symptoms of this destructive STD.