How Long STI Testing Takes and What to Expect

STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing is usually conducted at a healthcare provider’s office or clinic to determine the presence of an STI. There’s also the possibility of performing some tests at home. 

The process requires samples of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. It is a fast, painless procedure and a crucial step in maintaining your health.

What Is An STI?

Also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause them and may affect various body parts. 

Symptoms vary. An STI may cause symptoms like burning or itching in your genital area, but many STIs can be asymptomatic. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing your health.

Why Get A Test?

Overall, testing is necessary to ensure you don’t have any long-term health complications that can arise from STIs. Here are three other reasons to consider STI testing:

Early detection and treatment

Discovering your status can significantly reduce recovery time and prevent long-term health problems. Untreated STIs can lead to severe complications, such as vision loss, organ damage, infertility, and, in some instances, it can be fatal.

Safeguard your sexual partners

Being aware allows you to reduce the risk of transmission and inform your partners that they should undergo testing (and treatment if necessary).

Ensuring a healthy pregnancy

An STI during pregnancy can endanger both maternal and fetal health. Early testing means discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider to minimize these risks.

What Does Testing Look Like?

Testing is usually quick and painless. Being fearful about getting tested is normal, but staying informed about the process should relieve some anxiety. Methods include:

• Blood test. Your provider removes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. Or, they may prick your finger instead.
• Urine test. You’ll be given privacy to pee into a cup.
• Oral swab. You (or the provider) use a swab to remove saliva from your mouth or throat.
• Genital or rectal swab. Your provider uses a swab to collect a sample of discharge or cells from your genital area (such as your vagina or penis) or rectum. They’ll also use a swab to collect fluid from any blisters or sores you may have.
• Physical exam. Your provider looks for signs of STIs, including sores or rashes. Not all STIs show visible signs, but looking for these signs is critical to diagnosing STIs.

When Will I Receive Results?

The timing for test results varies based on the type of test. Your healthcare provider might inform you of the results in certain cases immediately. 

However, you might have to wait for a few days to several weeks for other tests. For HIV, rapid tests are offered at some clinics, delivering results in approximately 20 minutes.

Get Low Cost or No-Cost STI Testing/Treatment

MyLife Medical & Resource Center offers STI testing and treatment for many of the most common STIs. We may be able to provide all testing for no cost.

Contact us to schedule an appointment, and our medical team will discuss your options. Take advantage of our safe and supportive care today.