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I want to get tested for STD’s but i don’t have a lot of money. I’m also curious as to what they do to you during testing. What do I do?

How you’re tested for STDs depends on which infection you may have. And some infections can be tested for in more than one way. Your test may include a

  • physical exam — Your health care provider may look at your genitals and/or your anus for any signs of an infection, such as a rash, discharge, sores, or warts. For women, this exam can be similar to a pelvic exam.
  • blood sample — Your provider may take a blood sample, either with a needle or by pricking the skin to draw drops of blood.
  • urine sample — You may be asked to urinate into a special cup.
  • discharge, tissue, cell, or saliva sample — Your provider will use a swab to collect samples that will be looked at under a microscope.

 

Sometimes a diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms and/or a physical exam. Treatment could be prescribed right away. Other times, your health care provider may need to send a sample to a lab to be tested. In that case, the results may not be available for several days or weeks.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center, many other clinics, private health care providers, and health departments offer STD tests. Planned Parenthood works to make health care accessible and affordable. Some health centers are able to charge according to income. Most accept health insurance. If you qualify, Medicaid or other state programs may lower your health care costs. Call your local Planned Parenthood health center to get specific information on costs.

Learn more about STD testing.

Tags: STDs, STD testing

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