Take control of your health by being proactive and getting an STD test & results on time.
It is important to test for STDs regularly, especially if you engage in sexual activity. How long do STD test in Dubai last? Which STDs are more likely to be identified early? What do you do after getting your STD test results? We can help you understand the process and put your mind at ease.
What is an STD?
Let’s define the word “STD” before discussing STD results. An STD, often known as a sexually transmitted disease or infection is a condition that affects many people every year around the world. STD’s are spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact. Additionally, sharing sex toys or having close physical contact with someone with an STD can put you at risk of contracting the disease.
STDs frequently show symptoms, but this is not always the case, so it is always best to do a STD test to be safe.
How much time do STD tests need?
A routine gynaecological examination or checkup typically does not include testing for sexually transmitted illnesses. If you are exhibiting symptoms of a STD or think you may have been exposed, we always advise asking your doctor for an STD test.
How long do STD tests last? These tests are generally quick and simple. Your medical professional may advise performing one or more of the following tests depending on the symptoms you’re exhibiting:
- Testing urine: your doctor will ask you to urinate into a cup
- Cheek swab: usually, this test is used to check for HIV. The doctor will clean the inside of your cheek with a soft swab
- Blood test: blood will be taken from a finger prick or your arm for a blood test
- Testing for sores: the doctor or nurse will look for rashes, sores, strange discharge, or warts on your genitalia
- Discharge swab: using a soft swab, cell samples from the vagina, cervix, penis, anus, urethra, or throat will be taken and if requireddischarge will be collected
- Testing sores: fluid samples will be collected from blisters or sores using a swab
How to get STD test results?
Results of STD tests can be communicated to patients in person, over the phone, or through online health records. It is important to go through the results with a medical expert who can advise you on reducing your risk of STDs and address any concerns.
If an STD test is positive, start treatment as soon as possible to lessen the likelihood of health issues. Your doctor will discuss re-testing that could be required once treatment is complete and can assist you in developing a plan for disclosing your results to potential infected sexual partners.
Understanding results
- Negative & positive results
If you test positive, it implies the disease was detected and you may need treatment. If the test yields a negative result, the specific disease was not present. Depending on the testing you underwent, you can get different test results for each type of STD. For instance, you can test negative for herpes but high for gonorrhoea.
- Terminologies on the STD test results
You might come across some terminologies that need clarification. For instance, on your result report, you should note that the terms “equivocal” or “indeterminate” denote that the test was inconclusive. The phrase “reference range” refers to normal values for positive, negative, or inconclusive tests. The word “value” is sometimes written on the report, which refers to a specific part of the result.
- False negative & false positive results
It is important to remember that not all negative and positive STD test results will be 100% accurate, as some tests can produce false positives or negatives. A test may need to be repeated if your doctor thinks it might have been inaccurate. For example if your human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test results are positive, your doctor might want to repeat the test.
Read More: Chlamydia Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
A test that is performed utilising two different methods yields erroneous findings. Rescreening might be necessary if one results in a positive reading while the other is negative.
Non-reactive test results
A non-reactive typically means the result was negative and indicates that the test did not show any sign of the infection or STD.
Reference range and value
STD tests may yield additional information in addition to a positive or negative outcome, such as a reference range and value.
A reference range is a set of results regarded as typical for a favourable, unfavourable, or inconclusive outcome. The number that is connected to your test result is called a value.
For example if your result is given a value of five and the reference range specifies that values under eight are negative, your test result is considered negative.
Is STD testing safe?
STDs are transferred through sexual activity. Even while STD symptoms are relatively common, they are not always present. Women are more likely than men to have an STD yet not show any symptoms.
An STD test can be stressful or embarrassing, but you don’t have to feel this way. Most STDs, if discovered early, can be treated easily. Contact your doctor for guidance if you are worried about your results, are unsure about what they mean, or have a query. They can provide a thorough explanation and support you through any necessary treatments.
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