How does someone get tested for STDs?
If you wish to be screened for STD’s, screening is simple. Readily available blood tests exist for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and herpes. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas can all be tested from swabbing the vagina or cervix, as well as from a urine test, and it’s important to get tested, since the presence of these infections may make you more susceptible to contracting HIV. HPV testing can be performed at the time of a pap smear, although this test is usually only done if your pap smear is abnormal. Genital warts, pubic lice and molluscum contagiosum are usually diagnosed by a doctor’s visual inspection or, sometimes, a biopsy. Most STD tests are readily available at any OB/GYN or primary care medical office. 2. How often should I get tested? I recommend being tested any time you change sexual partners (or any time your partner does). So if you break up with your boyfriend and he hooks up with someone else, then wants to get back together, it’s time to get tested again. If
