STD Testing Accuracy: How Accurate Are STD Tests?

You may be wondering if the unpleasant symptoms you’re experiencing are from an STD or if you could have caught an STD from a partner.

Seeking STD testing can provide you with clarity about how to best care for your health and prevent spreading it to others. Keep reading to learn more about STD testing, or schedule an appointment at New Life Clinic for free STI/STD testing.

Are At-Home Tests Available?

FDA-approved at-home testing for STDs other than HIV is relatively new. As of 2023, the FDA has only approved one at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, HIV at-home testing has been available since 1996.

While some STD samples can be collected and either tested at home or sent to a lab, others must be tested in the clinic or doctor’s office. When sent to a lab, at-home results are generally accurate. However, user error when collecting samples can lead to potentially inaccurate results.

For best results, STD testing should be performed in a clinic or doctor’s office.

Why Should I Get Tested? 

Did you know you can be infected and have no symptoms at all? Regular STD testing is critical if you’re sexually active to protect your long-term health and fertility.

If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms as a result of an STD, treatment can improve your quality of life and possibly even provide a cure.

Bacterial STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured with antibiotics, and the symptoms of viral STDs, like HIV and herpes, can be managed with antivirals. 

When STDs are left untreated, they can lead to more serious health complications, including heart disease, cancer, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

STDs in Pregnancy

All pregnant women should be tested for STDs, even if they are considering an abortion. Having an existing STD during an abortion procedure can lead to spreading the infection or disease further into the reproductive system, potentially causing pelvic inflammatory disease.

For those planning to carry their pregnancies to term, STDs can negatively impact the fetus. Some STDs are passed through the placenta, and others are passed through the birth canal at the time of delivery. Knowing of their existence can ensure you’re being monitored and treated.

Treatment can greatly improve pregnancy outcomes and prevent transmission of the STD to the fetus.

Get Help Today

New Life Clinic offers free STD testing and pregnancy services. 
Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment. After learning more about your pregnancy, our team can answer your questions and discuss your options.