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STD Testing Specialist

Swor Women's Care -  - Gynecology

Swor Women's Care

Gynecology & Obstetrics located in Sarasota, FL

If you’ve been sexually active and are experiencing unpleasant symptoms such as itching or pain in your vulvar, vaginal, or anal areas, you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The compassionate team at Swor Women’s Care in Sarasota, Florida, can test you for STDs in the comfort and safety of their office. Don’t ignore uncomfortable symptoms. Get the treatment you need by calling the office or booking an appointment online.

STD Testing Q & A

What is STD testing?

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is a regular part of women’s health care. Even though social stigmas about STDs still exist, STDs are very common and treatable, especially if caught at an early stage. 

At Swor Women’s Care, your provider tests you for a wide variety of STDs, including:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Chlamydia
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV/AIDs

If you have urogenital symptoms, they also test for urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

How do I know if I have an STD?

Because women’s sexual organs are mostly internal, you may not have any noticeable symptoms. If you’ve had unprotected sex or have sex with multiple partners, you may need to be tested regularly. 

Signs that you have an STD include:

  • Foul-smelling or unusual looking vaginal discharge
  • Unpleasant vaginal odor
  • Unexplained itching in or around vagina or anus
  • Blisters, bumps, or other lesions in the vaginal or anal area
  • Abnormal bleeding between periods
  • Dark urine
  • Painful sex
  • Painful bowel movements or urination

An STD may cause systemic symptoms too. If you have an STD, you may feel fatigued or have a fever, and your lymph glands might be swollen.

How do gynecologists treat STDs?

Many STDs are cured with antibiotics or other treatments. STDs that are caused by viruses, such as herpes and HPV, require lifelong management with antiviral medications to minimize outbreaks and transmission. 

Treating STDs as soon as possible protects your health and your fertility. If you have an untreated STD and you’re pregnant, you could pass the infection to your baby.

How can I prevent STDs?

Next to abstinence, a mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have been tested and are free of STDs is the best protection. 

Wearing male or female condoms during sexual intercourse helps reduce the risk of STDs. However, some STDs such as herpes and HPV are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

If you or your child is between the ages of 11 and 26, you can get a vaccine to prevent HPV. You may also benefit from an HPV vaccine if you’re older than 26 and have never been exposed to the virus.

To set up an appointment for STD testing, call the supportive team at Swor Women’s Care today or use the online booking tool.