HIV Testing
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections generally acquired throughcontact. The organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, precum, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Examples of STDs include: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), among others.
If you’re a guy who has sex with other guys, annual testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended. HIV and syphilis can be life-threatening if untreated, and chlamydia and gonorrhea can put you at greater risk of acquiring HIV and other STDs.
See your doctor for STD testing if you have any signs of an STD, such as:
- Genital sores, including fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations or warts
- Unusual discharge from your penis
- Burning or irritation when you urinate
The most common signs and symptoms of an STD are NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS. Many people are unaware that they have HIV or an STD until they receive a positive test result.
Ask for HIV/STD testing if you think you need it. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you’d like. Don’t assume that you’re receiving HIV/STD testing every time you have a male exam or blood test.
You may find that you should be tested more frequently than once a year. How often you get tested is dependent upon the types of sexual activities you engage in, how often you engage in those sexual activities, the number of partners you have, and whether or not you’ve had a recent exposure to an STD. Open and honest discussions with your healthcare provider can help you determine how often you should be getting tested.
HIV and or STD testing can be conducted at any one of our six clinics here.