If you’re sexually active, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is an integral part of caring for your health, especially if you’ve recently changed partners.
Many STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms right away, so you may not know you’ve been exposed. The only way to know for sure is through regular testing.
At A Hope Center, we offer no-cost STD testing (in conjunction with a pregnancy test) so you can have peace of mind about your sexual health. The Allen County Department of Health will offer treatment if your test is positive.
Schedule an appointment today to take charge of your health.
Are STD Tests Reliable?
STD tests are highly accurate when done correctly and at the right time. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Timing matters. Some infections, like HIV or syphilis, may not show up on a test until a few days or even weeks after exposure. Testing too soon can result in a false negative.
- Test type varies by infection. For example, urine tests or swabs are commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea, while blood tests are needed to detect HIV or syphilis.
- Sample quality is key. Proper sample collection and handling are important for the most accurate results.
When taken correctly, most lab-based STD tests are between 95% and 99% accurate, making them a reliable tool for staying informed about your health.
Why STD Testing Is So Important
Even if you don’t have symptoms, untreated STDs can lead to serious health complications, like infertility, chronic pain, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). You could also unknowingly pass an infection to a partner.
Routine STD testing helps protect your reproductive health and gives you the information you need to make healthy choices.
Get Tested at A Hope Center
At A Hope Center, we understand that getting tested can feel intimidating or embarrassing, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a smart and proactive way to safeguard your health and future.
Contact us about scheduling a pregnancy test and STD test today.