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STD Testing

OB-GYN Associates PC Our Services STD Testing
OB-GYN Associates PC - - Obstetrics

OB-GYN Associates PC

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Cedar Rapids, IA

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reaching record highs. One of the biggest concerns is chlamydia, which poses a significant health risk for young women by increasing their chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The team at OB-GYN Associates PC encourage patients to come in for STD testing so they can get treated before ongoing disease creates complications. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or book an appointment online.

STD Testing Q & A

What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases?

Everyone who has sexual contact of any kind is susceptible to getting an STD from an infected partner. The most common STDs are:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Genital herpes
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Viral hepatitis
  • HIV/AIDS

 

HPV is the most common STD. It’s often cleared away by your immune system before causing problems, but if you become infected, the virus can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and cancers of the penis, mouth, and throat.

Why is it so important to get tested for STDs?

Many types of STDs don’t cause symptoms at first and, without symptoms, the only way to know you have an STD and undergo treatment is by getting tested. It’s important to remember that you can pass some STDs on to a partner even when you don’t have symptoms.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Each type of STD causes a group of symptoms, but some of the most common problems are:

  • Sores or bumps on your genitals, thighs or buttocks
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Burning when you urinate
  • Itching, pain, and/or swelling around your vagina
  • Flu-like symptoms such as a fever, body aches, and fatigue

 

In many cases, it’s easy to miss STD symptoms. They may not appear for weeks after sexual contact, can come and go, and often mimic other illnesses.

When should you get tested for sexually transmitted diseases?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all sexually active women under the age of 25 should get yearly tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can be administered by your gynecologist at your annual well woman exam. Regardless of age, you should get tested if you have a new partner, and your risk of STDs is higher if you have multiple partners or a history of STDs.

All women between the ages of 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Screening for hepatitis B is recommended if your partner has hepatitis B or you were born in Asia or Africa. Women born between 1945-1965 should get tested for hepatitis C.

If you’re not sure whether you should be tested, talk with your provider at OB-GYN Associates PC. They’ll assess your risk and let you know whether you should get an STD test. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online.

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