STD testing is important for any woman who’s currently sexually active or who has been sexually active in the past. At Southwest WomanCare OBGYN in Houston, Texas, Dr. Cindy Bui can run an STD panel. Diseases like hepatitis, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV can all be tested in a private and convenient environment.
STD Testing Q & A
How many STDs are tested for at one time?
It depends on the patient’s individual needs. Southwest WomanCare OBGYN can test for nearly all sexually transmitted diseases, and commonly does an STD panel for patients who need STD testing. The STD panel includes screening for:
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- Syphilis
Can multiple STDs occur at once?
Yes, more than one sexually transmitted disease can be present at one time. In fact, it’s fairly common for a patient to suffer from two or more STDs at once. Due to this commonality, it makes sense to perform a STD panel if a sexually transmitted disease is suspected.
When is the right time to be tested for STDs?
The best time to be tested for STDs is right now. It’s especially important that all patients who are sexually active now, or who have been sexually active in the past, get tested because many of these diseases don’t show symptoms in their early stages.
It’s not uncommon for a patient to discover they have a sexually transmitted disease in the complete absence of symptoms. Even if symptoms aren’t yet evident, testing now allows for a prompt diagnosis. In many cases, patients can start STD treatment before their disease becomes serious enough to show major symptoms. This also means that the patient won’t be unknowingly passing the disease to sexual partners.
How long does it take to get STD panel results back?
It takes a few days to get the STD panel results in most cases. A staff member from Southwest WomanCare OBGYN will call to let you know as soon as the results are available. If there are any abnormal test results or if treatment is needed, an appointment can be arranged with Dr. Bui right away.
Will medical insurance pay for STD testing?
It depends on the insurance provider. In many cases, insurance providers will cover STD tests if a physician like Dr. Bui orders them. Check with your insurance provider to verify coverage to be sure.
