STD Testing

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is essential to women’s health. For those living in or around midtown Manhattan in New York City and the town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, the team of women’s health specialists at NY Midtown OB/GYN offer STD prevention services as well as STD testing and treatment. Booking a visit takes just moments online or by phone, so don’t delay.  

What are some common sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases, sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections, are more common than most people know. While some STDs create relatively minor health issues and can be easily treated, others pose significant health risks and remain with you for the rest of your life. 

Some of the more common STDs include:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Hepatitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichinosis
• Syphilis

These are just some of the dozens of sexually transmitted diseases. The only way to completely eliminate your risk of infection is to avoid all forms of sexual contact. You can also dramatically reduce your risk by remaining in a mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have been tested. 

Using internal or external condoms during each sexual encounter also reduces your risk of STDs. There is also a vaccine that protects against HPV.

Why is STD testing so important?

Many forms of sexually transmitted diseases do not create clear symptoms. Even when symptoms are present, they often mimic other conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or yeast infections. 

You can have an STD without your knowledge, which increases the risk of spreading the infection to your partner(s). STD testing is the only way to truly know your status. 

Left untreated, some STDs can threaten your fertility. You can even encounter serious general health problems if you contract a disease like HIV or syphilis. Testing can detect an infection in the earliest stages, empowering you to begin treatment as soon as possible. 

What happens if my STD testing results show an infection?

If your STD test results determine you have an infection, your gynecologist explains your next steps. Some infections are identified after an abnormal Pap smear. A simple procedure called a colposcopy helps your gynecologist check your tissues for signs of disease. 

Sometimes, a course of antibiotics is all you need to clear up the infection. Taking these medications exactly as prescribed is imperative. 

Other forms of sexually transmitted diseases require a different approach. There are medications to treat or suppress some STDs. Antiviral drugs can play a role in treating herpes or HIV. 

If you’re overdue for STD testing or would like more information about prevention or treatment, contact the office online or by phone today to book a confidential visit at NY Midtown OB/GYN.