Pleasurable Encounters Could Put You in a Scary Position

One of the scariest experiences a person can have is learning they need to get tested for STDs. The results can be life-changing, and produce problems in your love life. The only thing worse than knowing is the anticipation of the results with only possibilities hanging in the air. It's potentially worse than a 16-year-old holding a pregnancy test in her hand.

With all that stress in mind, you can at least set your mind at some ease knowing that tests for STDs are easy to get. You do have to ask for one, however, since tests such as a Pap smear or blood work do not test for STDs. There are different tests for STDs as there are many kinds of STDs. Sometimes you may decide you need one because a partner is diagnosed. Sometimes you have symptoms that are cause for concern. Talking it over with your physician is typically the best way to find out which test or tests you should take to be properly diagnosed.

Most doctors recommend regular tests for STDs for people who change partners frequently, since STDs can infect your body without showing symptoms. In this case, it's important to get on a schedule with your doctor. As uncomfortable as it can be talking about your sex life to a stranger, you should recognize that his or her perspective is purely medical, your information is confidential and getting treatment sooner will save you a lot of grief and most likely your sex life in the long run. Other options for finding out this information include Planned Parenthood and other clinics, depending on if you have health insurance, finances and your area. Whatever your situation, there is a resource that can work for you.

In obtaining tests for STDs, the process varies. Some are more pleasant than others. Sometimes blood or urine needs to be sampled. If you have discharge or visible symptoms, sometimes the doctor needs to invade the specific area like a gynecologist on PAP Smear Day. Usually it's not quite that uncomfortable, though. In testing for STDs, the doctor just needs to examine your symptom area, or take a sample with a cotton swab.

If you are under 18, you can take another deep breath with the knowledge that you most likely don't need your parents' permission to obtain testing for STDs. High school health centers and nurses can often be very helpful, providing tests for STDs, pregnancy tests and often birth control to students who need them.

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