Getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) is necessary to ensure good sexual health. Knowing the facts is important to get tested with confidence and peace of mind.
Know your status and get the treatments to stay healthy. This will protect you and your partner’s health. Despite all the health benefits of getting tested, there are many misconceptions and myths that prevent people from getting checked for STDs.
At Statcare, it’s our job to make STD checks quick, painless, and helpful to all our visitors. We want you to approach it the way you would any other routine checkup — because that’s exactly what it is. To do that, we found the most common misconceptions about STD tests and tried to debunk them one by one.
1. It is embarrassing to get an STD test
It is not embarrassing to get an STD test since it can be done discreetly. Taking care of your physical health is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a responsible decision and one that could mean the difference between a clean bill of health and significant illnesses.
STD tests are reported simply for data and statistics. Your profile and personal information are still kept confidential. While it is true that you have to come into a Statcare location to complete STD tests, it is a completely private process.
Our doctors will never share your results (or why you even came in for a visit) with anyone. All your results from the lab will be available on your Healow app and you will get notifications the minute the STD tests are reported.
STD tests are not painful. In some cases, a simple swab on the inside of your cheek is all your doctor will need to test you for STDs. Other times, a doctor will order a lab test that does involve drawing blood samples, but this process isn’t typically painful. Some STDs require a Urine Test. At Statcare, STD tests are quick, mostly painless, and always professional.
4. STD tests always lead to bad news
STD tests do not always lead to bad news. Although 50% of sexually active people will contract an STD by the time they turn 25, that still leaves 50% of sexually active people who haven’t yet contracted one. More importantly, though, there are ways to treat and manage almost all STDs so even if you test positive, we’ll help you through your treatment options.
