STD Screening: How Soon Can You Get Tested?

People often feel awkward whenever they need to talk about topics pertaining to STD conditions, much less when it concerns decisions on undergoing screening and information on testing results. Still, this is not something that shouldn’t be talked about just because there’s a stigma placed on the issue.

Here at CallonDoc, you can skip the awkward doctor’s visit with our secured and private procedures in conducting virtual medical evaluations and treatment for all our patients.

What Is STD Screening?

Acquiring an STD is a risk factor for sexually active individuals. However, you can control having either high or low risks of getting infected by practicing safe sex methods. If in case a person gets exposed to high risks of getting STD, like having multiple sexual partners or if a sexual partner has multiple sexual partners, the best course is to undergo the STD screening test.

STD screening is a procedure that will test for bacterial or viral infections when a patient is not showing symptoms of a particular disease. Once a person suspects that he/she might have been involved with sexual engagements that increase the likelihood of getting an STD, it is advised to find out how soon you can get tested.

How soon can you get tested for an STD?

Whether you’re showing symptoms or not, you’ll have to speak with a healthcare provider to get professional recommendations about how and when to push through with your testing procedures.

Generally, a person can get tested for STD as soon as the incubation period is over, even before the symptoms start to show.

The incubation period refers to the interval where the body is trying to produce antibodies that can fight off the bacteria or virus that has invaded the system. Testing before this period will fail to generate reliable results.

There’s a window period wherein the STD test result comes out as a false-negative because of the absence of the determinants, and not because there is an actual absence of the infection. The infection might be there; it’s just that you must have tested sooner than you’re supposed to.

So, you have to know how to gauge the length of the incubation period for a particular STD condition. If you can talk to your sexual partner about his/her awareness of having an STD, you might be able to pinpoint the average incubation period. Then you can schedule an appointment with your doctor and discuss the symptoms.

You don’t necessarily have to consult with your doctor, in-person. If you’d like to request online consultations or order online lab tests, you can easily do it at home through your phone or computer. Find out how we made it easy here!

Why is it important to get tested for STD?

Getting tested for STD allows patients to recognize the need to seek the right treatment plan for a faster recovery.

No one is expected to know how to handle a decision like this immediately. It takes strength and courage to face the reality of the situation at hand.

Nevertheless, having awareness is always better than being sidelined by a disease or infection that might escalate into a life-threatening condition if left untreated. It will encourage patients to guide their sexual partners in getting help and avoid spreading the disease.

People who deal with this medical challenge don't have to be alone. They can reach out to tons of resources that can provide standard medical care. The sooner they get tested, the easier it will be for them to manage the results.

Do you have more questions about screen testing for STD? Get an online consultation with CallonDoc today!