Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, and burning may be signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). At Trinity Women’s Health in Murrieta, California, the caring and supportive all-female team understands that being tested for STDs can be stressful. Expert gynecologists Joan Hazel Calinisan, Frances S. Kim, and Nerissa C. Safie guide you through each step of the process, from prevention to testing to treatment. When you’re worried about a possible STD, come to Trinity Women’s Health for STD testing. You can book your appointment discreetly online or call the supportive Trinity team.
If you’re sexually active, it’s wise to be tested regularly for STDs because many are asymptomatic. Since your sexual organs are mostly internal, you may not be able to see significant changes that indicate an infection, such as blisters, sores, and ulcers. You can request STD testing as part of your annual women’s exam.
When you do notice changes or symptoms, you should call Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, or Dr. Safie right away. The following symptoms require immediate attention:
As a woman, it’s critical to receive testing for all of the STDs. Your skin and other tissues are thinner and more penetrable than those of men’s, making you more susceptible to infection. The moistness of your vagina is also a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens.
Untreated STDs can lead to serious health consequences, including infertility. Your OB/GYN can test you for all of the major STDs, including:
You can also be tested for:
If your STD test is positive, you’re already in good hands. The OB/GYN professionals at Trinity Women’s Health can control or cure many STDs when they’re caught early. Even HIV/AIDS are manageable with medication.
If your STD test is negative, that means you don’t have an STD. However, you should continue practicing safe sex by using condoms for every sexual act. Also remember that some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, can be transmitted by intimate skin-to-skin contact and can’t be prevented with condoms.
Whether your tests are positive or negative, Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Safie recommend that you receive testing for STDs regularly to maintain your long-term health. To schedule an STD test, phone the warm and supportive Trinity Women’s Health Team or use the online form.
