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STD Testing Specialist

Miami Women's Health Associates

Obstetricians & Gynecologists located in Coconut Grove, Miami, FL

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are a widespread problem and can lead to infertility, pelvic pain, and even premature death in some cases. Experienced OB/GYNs Jhonathan Duarte, MD, and Vicente Gari, MD, of Miami Women's Health Associates in Miami, Florida, provide comprehensive STD testing to identify infections and get you the treatment you need. Not all STDs cause obvious symptoms like unsightly warts and sores, so you can't assume you're free of infection. Arrange your STD testing by calling the Miami Women's Health Associates’ Coconut Grove office or book an appointment online today.

STD Testing Q&A

What is STD testing?

STDs are diseases you contract during sexual relations with someone who already has an infection. You won't always be aware you have an STD, as many cause few or no obvious symptoms.

STDs may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic. The types of STDs you're most likely to undergo testing for include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Some STDs are treatable with medications, but viral STDs are typically incurable. It is possible to manage them effectively in most cases with the help of Miami Women's Health Associates.

Why should I undergo STD testing?

STD testing shows whether you have an infection so you can receive prompt treatment and avoid infecting anyone else. Untreated STDs may cause problems like infertility and pelvic pain, and if you get infected with certain strains of HPV, you could develop cervical cancer.

It's important to undergo testing periodically if you're sexually active and frequently if you engage in high-risk activities. Your gynecologist at Miami Women's Health Associates can advise you how often you should get tested.

You should also go for STD testing if you have any symptoms that could be caused by an infection, such as an unpleasant vaginal discharge, vaginal pain, and genital warts or sores.

What happens when I go for STD testing?

The tests you need depend on any symptoms you may be experiencing and factors like your sexual activities, whether you're pregnant, if you use illegal drugs, and your age. Once they decide what STD tests you require, your provider at Miami Women's Health Associates gathers samples of bodily fluids or tissues. Samples used in STD testing include:

  • Urine
  • Blood
  • Vaginal secretions
  • Swabs from sores or warts
  • Cervical cells

These samples go for laboratory testing, and your provider contacts you to discuss the results when they come back.

What happens when I get the results from STD testing?

Once your provider receives the results, they can discuss what steps you need to take next. You might need to take a course of antifungal medication or antibiotics to clear up your STD. Or you may have to undergo further tests.

You can also discuss with your gynecologist how to prevent passing on any infection you have and precautions you need to take.

Avoid the problems STDs can cause by visiting Miami Women's Health Associates for regular testing. Call today or book an appointment online.