When left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) put you at risk of infertility and certain types of gynecological cancer. At Nova Women’s Health in North Reading, Massachusetts, Anju Nayar, MD, FACOG, and the specialists offer confidential and nonjudgmental STD testing and treatment. Call the office today or book an appointment online to schedule your STD testing.
You should worry about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because they’re more common than you might realize and can have devastating health consequences.
Though STDs affect all people, women are more likely to experience long-term health problems when left undiagnosed and untreated. STDs in women may lead to infertility or increase the risk for gynecological cancer like cervical cancer.
Some of the common STDs that affect women’s health include:
Early diagnosis and treatment of STDs reduce your risk of complications, benefiting your health now and in the future.
You should get STD testing anytime you have concerns about STDs. You can have an STD and not know it because most don’t cause symptoms, especially during the early stages.
Some symptoms of STDs include:
Your OB/GYN at Nova Women’s Health recommends annual STD testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you’re sexually active. They also recommend getting tested for HPV when you’re in your 30s (usually combined with your Pap smear) and having an HIV test at least once during your lifetime.
Nova Women’s Health also performs STD testing during prenatal care.
The specifics of your STD testing at Nova Women’s Health depend on the type of test you need. Your provider spends time talking to you about your concerns and sexual activity. Then, they discuss STD testing and the types of tests you need.
They may collect cells from your cervix during a pelvic exam, collect vaginal secretions, or do bloodwork. Once they have the tissue sample, your provider sends it to the lab for an evaluation.
Your provider at Nova Women’s Health explains when you can expect results from your STD testing at your appointment. Some test results are quick, while others may take a few days or weeks.
Once they have the results, your provider contacts you. If you test positive for an STD, your provider has you return to the office so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment to clear up the infection or manage the symptoms.
Call Nova Women’s Health or schedule your STD testing online today.