Getting Tested for STIs

Posted on by Grayson Schultz

This post is sponsored by STDCheck. All content is mine, per usual.

'getting tested for STIs' against a floral blue abstract background

We’ve talked in the past about some basic STI facts, but let’s dig in a little deeper.

It’s worth reiterating that STIs aren’t always symptomatic. That means that you might not be able to tell if you or someone else is dealing with an infection. The only ways to be sure are to either abstain from all interpersonal activity or get tested.

Many STIs are bacterial and curable with antibiotics… well, except the super strains. For those that are viral, there are medications to help make day-to-day life more manageable.

Also, hey, there are plenty of people who have robust sex lives despite viral STIs. Don’t think that it’ll ruin your future.

Alright, let’s dig in!

STIs

Gonorrhea

  • Can be spread via oral, vaginal, or anal sex
  • Can cause infertility if untreated
  • Easily treated with antibiotics
  • Infects mucous membranes, and can affect your eyes
  • Can cause reactive arthritis
  • Can spread to your bloodstream and potentially kill you
  • Some strains can be resistant to antibiotics

Chlamydia

  • Most common bacterial STI in the US
  • Can be spread via oral, vaginal, or anal sex
  • Can cause infertility if untreated
  • Easily treated with antibiotics
  • Infects everything from cervixes to eyes
  • Can cause reactive arthritis
  • Some straings can be resistant to antibiotics

HPV

  • Most common overall STI AKA most of us get it
  • More than 100 strains, 13 of which can cause cancer
  • Regular exams can help catch infection quickly and monitor cancer risk
  • Can go away on its own

Hepatitis A, B, and C

  • Liver infections caused by three different viruses
  • Hep A is usually short-term, while Hep B can start as short-term and turn chronic and Hep C is usually chronic
  • Vaccines exist for Hep A & B
  • Hep A can be spread by ingesting fecal matter (yes, that’s poop)
  • Hep B can be spread by body fluids
  • Hep C can be spread by blood
  • Chronic Hep B & C can be managed with medications

Syphilis

  • Can be spread via oral, vaginal, or anal sex or other contact with syphilis sores AKA chancres
  • Can infect the nervous system
  • Can be treated with antibiotics
  • Some strains can be resistant to antibiotics

Herpes (HSV)

  • There are two types of herpes
    • Simplex 1 generally causes cold sores
      • Unless potentially getting oral sex from someone with cold sores
    • Simplex 2 is generally genital
  • Not everyone gets sores, but those who do may not find them painful
  • Can be spread by body fluids, contact with sores, or skin-to-skin contact, so barriers like condoms may not provide enough protection
  • Can infect anything really, from eyes to genitals to skin
  • Cannot be cured, but can be managed with medications

Now, herpes isn’t always included in routine testing. If you want to be tested, ask. If you’re not sure how, Very Well Health has some great tips.

HIV

  • Can be spread by body fluids
  • Can be managed by medications
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent an HIV-negative person from getting HIV
  • When medications are used by an HIV-positive partner, the risk of contracting HIV is virtually zero
    • U=U meaning Undetectable Equals Untransmissable is based on this fact
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a collection of antiretroviral medications taken after someone is exposed to HIV that can help prevent infection if started within 72 hours

Luckily, all of the above STIs are covered in the STDCheck full panel test.

What is STDCheck?

It’s a site that gives people the ability to order STI testing without having to encounter their physicians, have it billed to their insurance, and can give you more privacy. It may not always be the best option for everyone, but it’s a great alternative for those who need it.

In August of 2017, Vice likened STDCheck and a few other testing companies to Amazon Prime. The rave reviews keep coming, earning the site 9.8 out of 10 reviews overall. It’s also the only online STI testing site to offer FDA-approved HIV RNA Early Detection Test.

How does it work?

It’s really simple! All you have to do is order the test(s) you want, print the lab form, and go to a testing site. You get blood drawn and/or give a urine sample. Then, sit back – you’ll receive your results in 1-2 business days!

You can either get those via your online account or snail mail.

They offer tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Genital herpes, Oral herpes, HIV 1 & 2, and Syphilis.

The process itself is really easy. After signing up for the 10 test panel, I just had to pop in and give blood and urine. I got tested on Friday and by Monday I had my results. You can see highlights of my testing on Instagram.

And, yes, these are my results sans my personal info:

I'm negative for all ten test performed

Now, I’m used to reading complicated lab stuff due to my chronic illness life, but I’m really grateful that these results show the definitive answer instead of just the ranges and your values for each test.

Looking for more STI resources?

STDCheck has their own blog called Exposed. While they have things separated out by binary gender (which, as you know, I really loathe), there is a lot of good information on there.

The STD Project was launched in April of 2012 during STD Awareness Month by STD+ Founder, Jenelle Marie Pierce. It’s a multi-award-winning independent website and progressive movement eradicating STD stigma by facilitating and encouraging awareness, education, and acceptance through story-telling and resource recommendations.

Kamaria Laffrey is an internationally recognized HIV activist. Her organization, emPOWERed Legacies, works to provide tools that will help her community towards embracing healing, giving inspiration and living victorious.

Josh Robbins is an HIV activist known for being amazing. He’s won a ton of awards and has thousands of followers across social media. You can check out his TED Talk and his site to learn more about his work.

Courtney Brame’s podcast Something Positive for Positive People talks about his own journey with herpes in addition to featuring other people’s stories.

Benjamin Di’Costa is an activist, non-profit consultant, and so much more. Benji is absolutely one of my favorite people. His advocacy has been featured globally as one of the most influential HIV-negative activists.

The Southern AIDS Coalition‘s mission is to end the HIV epidemic in the South through federal advocacy, capacity building and education, and grassroots organizing. They’ve been working since 2001 to accomplish so much, starting with modernizing and reauthorizing the Ryan White Act.

POZ I AM Radio is a live-to-air podcast sharing positive stories of those living with HIV. The show covers a range of topics related to living with HIV/AIDS in the world today. Host Robert Breining is joined by a different guest each week who shares their personal story with the listening audience (and Josh is involved sometimes, too!).

Dating Positives and Positive Singles are dating sites that cater to people living with long-term STIs.