I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect about 1 in 5 Americans at any given time. Although talking about STDs is more acceptable than ever before, some stigma around these conditions remains.

At Ample Health in Carmichael, California, our team of board-certified internist Dheeraj Kamra, MD; Mythli Nagaraj, MD; Alice Phillips, FNP; and Yelena Popova, PA, provides compassionate, nonjudgmental sexual healthcare for adults. 

Since we regularly partner with patients for STD treatment, we created this simple guide that explains what to do if you’re at risk.

Make an appointment

More than 30 sexually transmitted diseases exist, and each presents varying side effects. If you’ve recently had sexual intercourse and developed symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful urination, or a fever, contact our team right away. 

Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should have regular STD testing if you have more than one sexual partner. Some STDs take months or years to cause problems, so regular screening  provides you with peace of mind.

Get tested for STDs

When you arrive at our office, a member of our team asks detailed questions about your health and sexual history, including the number of partners you have, the types of sexual activity you engage in, and if you use protection, like condoms or a vaginal dam.

Answer these questions honestly and provide as much detail as possible. We won’t judge you, but your insights are essential for guiding treatment.

Next, we order testing. Depending on your age, health history, and symptoms, we may recommend:

• Blood testing
• Urine testing
• Vaginal swab
• Penile swab

After we collect the samples, we send them to a laboratory for analysis.

Wait for the results

While you wait for your results, contact any recent sexual partners and encourage them to get tested, too. If you choose to be sexually active while waiting, use protection, like a condom or other preventive measures, to reduce the risk of transmission.

We typically hear back from the laboratory within 24-48 hours, but it may take longer, depending on the volume of tests at the facility.

STD treatment

Once we get the results of your STD test, we schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss them. If the test confirms you have an infection, we provide a personalized treatment plan. This typically involves prescription medication and recommendations for practicing safe sex.

If your results are positive, don’t panic. We can help you effectively manage even chronic STDs, like HIV/AIDs, to prevent you from spreading the STD to others.

Schedule an STD testing appointment today

Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael, California, if you’re interested in scheduling an STD test. Call our office or book your appointment online. Telehealth visits are available.