STD Testing services offered in Federal Way, WA
Women have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you have concerns about a STD, Suyang Li, MD, and the team at Federal Way Women’s Health Care can help with STD testing. You can have an STD without having symptoms, and when left untreated, an STD can lead to serious health problems like infertility. Getting tested is important for your current and future health. Call the office in Federal Way, Washington, or schedule an appointment online today.
STD Testing Q&A
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted disease (STDs) are infections ― bacterial, viral, or parastic — passed from person to person through sexual contact. An STD can pass from person to person through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can even get some STDs from skin to skin contact.
Anyone who engages in sexual activity is at risk of getting an STD.
Some of the most common types of STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Hepatitis B
- HIV
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
You can take medication to clear up some STDS, but some STDs are with you for life and you take medication to manage symptoms.
When do I need STD testing?
The team at Federal Way Women’s Health Care can talk to you about STD testing during a consultation or at your well-woman exam. You need STD testing if a sexual partner tested positive for an STD or you have suspicious symptoms such as:
- Vaginal pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Fever
- Genital sores or warts
However, you can have an STD and not have any symptoms. The team screens for chlamydia and gonorrhea for their patients 25 and younger / or older who are at risk of catching these STDs every year.
They also do STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C during pregnancy.
What happens during STD testing?
The team reviews the details of your STD testing at your evaluation, including the types of tests you need and when you can expect results.
They may take blood, urine, or a sample of your vaginal secretions depending on the type of STD they’re looking for. Then, they send the sample to the lab for testing.
What should I expect after STD testing?
Federal Way Women’s Health Care contacts you when they have the results of your STD testing. If the results are negative, they talk with you about the steps you can take to protect yourself from STDs such as safe-sex practices and updating your vaccinations.
If you test positive, the team provides the medication you need to clear up the infection (bacterial and parasitic infections) or manage the symptoms.
When left undiagnosed and untreated, an STD may lead to infertility or gynecological cancer. For STD testing, call Federal Way Women’s Health Care or schedule an appointment online today.