STIs: What Happens during Testing?

All women who have been sexually active, regardless of their pregnancy status, should receive routine testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Although many of these infections are treatable, some STIs do not have easily identifiable symptoms and may develop into serious health problems if left untreated. Care Net Centers of Albuquerque is ready to offer fast and free STI testing for Albuquerque women.

STI Testing Albuquerque: What Happens During Testing 

Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is important for your overall health to get regularly tested for STIs if you are sexually active. Unfortunately, there is no single test that produces results for all STIs. Instead, each STI has its own testing procedure which a doctor or medical professional can administer. Some of these test methods may include:

●        Physical exams to check for visible symptoms like discharge, bumps or other irritations. If sores are discovered, fluid from the area may be swabbed for testing.

●        Blood tests, both finger pricks and arm-extractions, may be required to test for certain STIs.

●        Cheek swabs can be administered to test for HIV.

●        Urine tests are also common.

●        For specific STIs, the doctor may take swab or cell samples from the throat, cervix, penis, vagina, anus or urethra.

After the doctor completes one or more of these methods, you can receive results in as little as a half of an hour. Some symptoms can be immediately diagnosed visually, other symptoms may require that samples are sent to a lab and it may take days or weeks to receive results. Thankfully, many clinics can perform HIV testing in-house to give you results on the same day.

STI Testing Albuquerque

Care Net Centers of Albuquerque are focused on preserving your wellbeing. Our centers are equipped with the resources and information you need to make healthy choices for your future. We have a team of compassionate, non-judgmental medical professionals who can discreetly administer STI testing for Albuquerque residents. Schedule an appointment for STI testing today at one of four our conveniently located centres in Albuquerque, East Mountain, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas.