STD Treatment Guidelines
An in-depth overview of the different types of STDs (STIs) and what types of STD tests are available for each individual STD, so that you know what to expect when getting STD testing.
INTRODUCTION
Why Did We Write This Guide?
The only way to take charge of your sexual health is to be armed with knowledge. The internet is filled to the brim with information about sexually transmitted diseases and how to get tested for them, but the details are scattered across multiple websites and aren’t always reliable or up-to-date. We wrote the ultimate guide for STD testing so people would have access to a single source about STDs and the unique ways each infection is tested for and diagnosed. We explain the technical side of STD testing: What each infection is, the different types of tests and how they work, the treatment options. We make it easy to understand, so everyone has the information they need to be sexy and safe.
Who Is This Guide For?
This guide to STDs and STD testing is written for anyone seeking to learn more about sexually transmitted diseases, including, but not limited to:
- Those who are interested in their sexual health
- Individuals who think they may have an STD
- People who want to know how to avoid STDs and lower their risk of contraction
- Those interested in educating others about STDs and their specific testing options
- Individuals with questions about the specific types of testing for each of these STDs
- Individuals interested in learning how to have safer sex
- Anyone who has questions regarding about specific STDs
- Individuals who have questions regarding the STD testing process
How Much Should You Read?
All of the information in this guide is important for a complete understanding of each of these common STDs and their various test types. The guide is mainly divided into sections by individual STD and its testing options, but there are also sections dedicated to important topics such as “Where to Get Tested” and “How to Practice Safer Sex.”
If you’re using this guide to learn about a specific STD, we highly recommend also reading the Key Takeaways at the end of every section to learn the most important points for each topic, as well as the listed test types to learn what the best options are. In particular, check out Section 1: The Importance of Getting Tested and Section 13: Where to Get STD Tested to get the understand the importance of STD testing to your sexual health.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1:
The Importance of Getting STD Tested
Most people underestimate the importance of getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. They think STDs can never happen to them, that only certain types of people get STDs. Many STDs can be contracted from activities other than intercourse or sex. Many STDs show no signs or symptoms at all and then go unnoticed. Most people don’t realize what is considered risky in terms of contracting an STD. Let’s clear all why it is important to get STD tested, after all, it’s your health.
Section 2
Risk Factors & Chances of Catching STDs
Most people don’t realize what is considered risky in terms of contracting an STD. They assume that having sex is the only way to get an STD. Some figure that certain types of sex are the only way to get an STD. Learn was is high-risk activity, low-risk activity and no-risk activity in regards to sexually transmitted diseases.
Section 3
Chlamydia and Chlamydia Test Types
Chlamydia is a bacterial STD that can wreak havoc on a person and their sex life. It can cause serious damage, especially in women. Learn all about what it is, what it does, and all of the test types for chlamydia in this section.
Section 4
Gonorrhea and Gonorrhea Test Types
Gonorrhea, also called “The Clap,” is a bacterial STD that will ruin your fun in the bedroom. Gonorrhea, like chlamydia, can cause serious damage, especially in women and newborns. Learn all about what it is, what it does, and all of the test types for gonorrhea in this section.
Section 5
Syphilis and Syphilis Test Types
Syphilis is a bacterial STD with a ton of history. It can be cured early on, but it’s damage is permanent, so it is very crucial to know what you are dealing with in this case. Learn all about what it is, what it does, and all of the test types for syphilis in this section.
Section 6
Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) and Herpes Test Types
Oral herpes and genital herpes are lifelong infections that tend to appear whenever they want after exposure. People often associate HSV-1 with cold sores and HSV-2 with genital lesions, but doesn’t realize that a cold sores can spread to a partners genitals and cause a case of genital herpes. The same goes for the opposite, too. Learn all about what it is, what it does, and all of the test types for both forms of herpes in this section.
Section 7
Hepatitis B and HBV Test Types
Few people know anything about hepatitis B, let alone that it attacks the liver. This blood-borne viral disease can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. Learn all about what HBV is, what it does, and all of the test types for hepatitis B in this section.
Section 8
Hepatitis C and Hepatitis C Test Types
We hear all the time that Baby Boomers need to get tested for hepatitis C, but do you know why? This viral infection isn’t preventable by immunization like hepatitis A and B. Learn all about what HCV is, what it does, and all of the test types for hepatitis C in this section.
Section 9
HIV/AIDS and HIV Test Types
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Section 10
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and HPV Test Types
HPV is an STD that most men don’t think twice about, but they should. It is not a virus that only affects women. Learn all about what it is, what it does, how to treat it, and all of the test types for HPV in this section.
Section 11
Trichomoniasis and ‘Trich’ Test Types
Sickness is extra creepy-crawly in the case of this STI. Trichomoniasis, often referred to as “Trich” or “Trichomonas,” is caused by parasitic bacteria. Learn all about what it is, what it does, how to treat it, and all of the test types for trichomoniasis in this section.
Section 12
Affects of STDs on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
How will these STDs affect my unborn baby? How will they affect my delivery? How can these STDs affect my newborn? Which STDs can you breastfeed with, and which can be spread to your baby via breast milk? Find out in this section.
Section 13
Where To Get STD Tested
What are my options for STD testing? Do I have to make an appointment with my doctor or general practitioner? Can I order testing online and show up to a collection lab? Can I order an at-home kit? What about free clinics or Planned Parenthood? We cover all of these options in-depth.
Section 14
How To Practice Safer Sex
Few people remember everything they learned in sex-ed classes, if they even had them. Never having sex is not a goal for most people. Learn about the different types of condoms and lubricant options available, and various actions you can take to help avoid STDs in this section.
Medically Reviewed by J. Frank Martin JR., MD on March 31, 2023
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Author: Nick Corlis
Nick Corlis is a writer, marketer, and designer. He graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, with a degree in Digital Communications. Nick is proud to be able to help eliminate the stigma of STD testing through his writing and is always trying to advocate the importance of your sexual health. Before STDcheck, his favorite way to develop his writing skills was by accepting various writing jobs in college and maintaining multiple blogs. Nick wears many hats here at STDcheck, but specifically enjoys writing accurate, well-researched content that is not only informative and relatable but sometimes also contains memes. When not writing, Nick likes to race cars and go-karts, eat Japanese food, and play games on his computer.
