If you’re intimate with your partner, both of you should get tested for STIs on a regular basis. Your age doesn’t matter. If you’re getting ready to do it for the first time, here are five facts about STI testing that you should know.
1. You Don’t Need Any Preparation
Unlike some other screening methods, you won’t need any preparation for your first STI test. This means you won’t have to avoid having sex, eating for a few hours before the test, or anything of the sort. Of course, if your test includes a urine sample, you’ll need to follow the standard procedure to collect your sample.
2. There Are No Unpleasant Swabs
In the past, men have had to go through a deeply unpleasant urethral swab as part of testing for certain STIs. Luckily, this is not the case anymore. All those tests are now urine-based, which means that providing a urine sample will be enough.
3. You’ll Get Your Results Quickly
One of the best facts about STI testing is that you won’t have to wait too long for your results. In most cases, the results will be ready within a day or two. Once they are, you’ll receive a call from your doctor’s office or be able to access them online on a password-protected website.
4. You May Need to Go Back for Further Testing
Some STIs may need up to a few weeks to show on the tests. What’s more, some of them may also require blood tests. So depending on the seriousness of your infection, you may need to go back for one or more additional screenings.
5. Your Insurance Will Cover Everything
One of the most important facts about STI testing is that it’s all covered by your insurance. All you have to do is ask your physician to refer you to a testing center. On top of that, most cities have clinics and centers that offer free STI screening. You can find them by visiting the website of your local health department.
