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

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are extremely common. In fact, about 20% of people have one at any given time. But if you notice unusual symptoms, you recently had unprotected sex, or a partner just told you they tested positive for an infection, it’s normal to be concerned. 

The good news is that you have clear, straightforward steps you can take right now. Our team at South Valley Women's Health Care specializes in STD testing and gynecological care, and here’s what we recommend doing if you think you have an STD.

Step 1: Schedule testing right away

If you think you might have an STD, the first thing you should do is schedule an STD testing appointment at our practice. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen or convince yourself that the problem will go away on its own. Many STDs cause no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages, so you can't rely on how you feel to determine whether you're infected.

Our team at South Valley Women's Health Care offers comprehensive STD screenings for women. Still, it’s important to note that not every STD test is automatically included in a regular gynecological exam or even your annual well-woman exam. Make sure you specifically request STD screening when you make your appointment, so we can have the right tests prepared.

Step 2: Be completely honest during your appointment

During your appointment, be honest about your sexual history and your current symptoms or concerns. Share how many partners you've had recently, whether you use protection consistently, what specific symptoms you're experiencing, and whether a partner has recently tested positive for anything.

This honesty helps us determine which tests are most appropriate for you, and we may recommend different types of tests depending on your circumstances and risk factors. You might provide a urine sample, have blood drawn, or get swabs from your mouth, throat, genitals, or any visible sores or blisters. We also do a physical examination of your genital area, looking for visible signs like sores, rashes, warts, irritation, or unusual discharge.

You can be tested for most STDs regardless of whether you have symptoms. Because some infections look and act similarly, we may recommend testing for multiple conditions to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis.

Step 3: Get your results

Some test results come back immediately during your appointment, while others require a few days or weeks for laboratory analysis. We’ll let you know when to expect your results and how you'll receive them. When your results come back, you may need a follow-up appointment to discuss your treatment options.

Step 4: Follow through with treatment

If you test positive for an STD, your most important step is following through with your treatment plan. We typically prescribe antibiotic medications for bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, and antiviral medications for conditions like herpes or HIV.

You need to take every dose exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms go away before you finish the medication. We also recommend abstaining from unprotected sexual activity until you’ve completed treatment and you’re no longer contagious. 

You also need to inform any recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated. This prevents reinfection and stops the spread of disease in your community. Some STDs require follow-up testing to confirm that treatment was successful, so make sure you attend all your scheduled appointments even after you feel better.

An STD diagnosis can be embarrassing, but it isn't the end of the world. Most are completely curable with proper treatment, and the key is taking action now — getting tested and following your treatment plan — to protect your health going forward.

Schedule your appointment at South Valley Women's Health Care in Bluffdale, Utah, to get started.