STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STI), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STD), are a tough topic for most people.

LCH provides STI testing, education, management, and treatment in all of our health centers. Our professional staff in West Grove, Kennett Square, and Oxford clinics can help you get the right testing and give you helpful information about preventing future STIs.

There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you think you might have an STI. What you need most is supportive medical care to talk about your symptoms, get properly tested, receive effective treatment, and learn more about staying healthy. LCH provides a non-judgmental experience from start to finish where you will feel respected and supported.

A physical exam of your genitals is part of most STI testing, and you will usually need to give us a urine sample. If you have never had this kind of medical exam, it might be uncomfortable, but keep in mind that the goal is for you to feel better quickly. Unless we have to send a blood sample out for testing, we will have your results during your appointment so that we can get your treatment started right away. If you have an STI that requires antibiotics or any kind of cream you need to use at home, we’ll make sure you understand the instructions before you leave.

Preparing for STI Tests

The most important thing to remember about preparing for your STI test is that our health clinic is a safe place. Your health is important to us, and that means no judgment, just effective healthcare.

You might have already looked up your symptoms and have an idea of which STI you have. Or, someone might have told you they gave you a certain infection. We will test for multiple STIs to confirm that you get exactly the right treatment. We may ask some questions about your sexual history and health history to determine your highest risks and if there is anything besides an STI we should be looking at. 

When scheduling your STI test, make sure to follow all the directions our staff gives before you come in. We may need you to avoid having sex or using any at-home creams or oils in order to get a good diagnosis. We’ll also need to know what medications you take, including herbal vitamins and supplements, in case they affect test results.

STIs or STDs, which are also sometimes called venereal diseases, are infections and chronic diseases that are usually spread through various types of sexual contact.

 If there is a chance you have an STI, it’s important to get tested as quickly as possible to get the right treatment. STIs may cause long-term health problems, so early treatment is best.

Some STIs can be treated and cured, including:

• Syphilis – symptoms include sores in the genitals and feeling like you have the flu.
• Gonorrhea – symptoms include green/yellow discharge and pain going to the bathroom.
• Chlamydia – symptoms include pain using the bathroom, unusual discharge, and pain and swelling in the testicles or lower abdomen.

Other STDs can be treated and managed, but not cured. These include:

• Herpes – symptoms include small red sores, burning or itching in genitals, pain going to the bathroom, and discharge.
• HIV/AIDS – symptoms include flu-like feeling, mouth sores, swollen glands, and itchy rashes.
• HPV or Genital Warts – symptoms include painless lumps or bumps around your genitals and sometimes pain with sex or using the bathroom.
  • HPV is the most common STI because not everyone has symptoms or notices them.
• Hepatitis B – symptoms include stomach pain, flu-like feeling, dark pee, and jaundice.

If you are sexually active and you notice any STI symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. Early treatment can get you feeling better quickly and help you keep from spreading the infection to someone else.

Types of STI Tests

If you think you might have an STI, whether you have symptoms or someone told you that they might have infected you, getting tested is very easy. Health clinics like LCH are ready to help you get the testing you need with privacy and respect. 

Most STI testing happens during a physical exam. The clinician will take a swab of the affected area. You will probably also give a urine sample for additional testing. Swabs and urine will return results for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, and maybe Syphilis.

Genital warts are usually diagnosed with a visual exam, which the clinician can start treating right away.

HIV, Hepatitis B, and sometimes Syphilis, require blood draws that need to be sent out for lab testing. That takes about 3 to 5 days, usually. While waiting for these results is stressful, early treatment is crucial if you have been exposed to any of these infectious diseases.

You should get tested for STI if you are:

• Having sex with one or more partners
• Having unprotected sex, including oral or anal sex, with one or more partners
• Sharing sex toys with someone, even if you’re not having sex with them.
• Not sure who else your sex partners are having sex with
• Having sex with anyone who knows they have an STI or has told you they were exposed to one.

The faster you know what’s wrong, the sooner you can feel better and make sure you don’t infect another person. Some STIs that go untreated can cause permanent health damage.