You’re sexually active, and something doesn’t feel right. You might notice itching, pain, or an unusual scent. You’re fairly certain you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but you aren’t sure what to do next.
What are your options for STI treatment? Can you ignore the discomfort, or do you really need to see the doctor?
You’re not the only one asking these questions. According to CDC data, 20% of the U.S. population has a sexually transmitted infection at any given time. Locally, Richmond, Virginia, has one of the highest STI rates in the country, ranking at #17.
Gynecologists are used to treating STIs. If you see the right practitioner, you can expect compassionate, judgment-free care.
Proper care always begins with formal STI testing and a consultation with your gynecologist. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect during testing and treatment for an STI. Continue reading to find your next steps.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore STI Symptoms
There are dozens of different STIs, each with unique treatment and lifestyle considerations.
According to the World Health Organization, the eight most common STIs include:
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- HIV
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The first four STIs on the above list are considered curable. If you begin treatment early, you can enhance comfort and improve your quality of life. However, if you fail to treat these infections, they can cause organ damage, cognitive symptoms, and even sensory damage.
The second four STIs on the list are viral in nature. They are treated with antiviral medications. While not curable, these medications can reduce symptoms and spread. They can vastly improve your quality of life.
Failing to address a viral STI can lead to many serious symptoms over time. These can include organ damage, chronic infections, and an increased risk of developing HIV.
Leaving STIs untreated can also contribute to fertility challenges. Untreated STIs can damage your reproductive organs over time. They can also adversely impact your overall health, making it difficult to support a pregnancy. If you hope to start a family, addressing symptoms promptly is key to preventing infertility.
Finally, testing for and treating STIs is a way to keep your sexual partners safe. It can help to reframe proactive treatment as an act of love.
How Does STI Testing Work?
In some cases, STIs do not present with symptoms. In others, the symptoms might begin subtly, such as with a change in smell or abnormal discharge. Since there is no pain, it’s easy to ignore such minor changes, especially if you’re busy. In fact, you might feel like making a doctor’s appointment would disrupt your life more than the symptoms.
However, STI testing is quick and simple. Testing early can save you a lot of time, stress, money, and discomfort down the line.
Most health insurance plans cover basic STI testing. Per the ACA, all healthcare plans must cover HIV testing for individuals between the ages of 15 and 65. Likewise, most insurance plans cover an annual well-woman visit. Often, these visits include screening for a range of sexual health conditions.
Call your gynecologist’s office and let them know you are interested in STI testing. They’ll be able to answer questions you have about payment and coverage.
What Happens During STI Testing?
STIs range from bacterial infections to viral infections to parasites. Therefore, there are a few different ways to test for STIs.
In every case, a healthcare professional will collect samples. Those samples will either be processed on-site or sent to a lab for evaluation. Often, it takes a day or so to receive the results of your STI test.
Types of testing include:
- Urine Tests. A professional will provide you with a wipe and a specimen cup. In the restroom, you’ll clean your genital area with the wipe and then “catch” your urine in the cup. It will be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and certain parasitic infections.
- Blood Tests. A medical professional will use a needle to collect a sample of your blood. A lab technician will analyze the blood for signs of syphilis, HIV, and types of hepatitis.
- Swab Tests. A medical professional will use a swab to collect a sample from an orifice. Depending on symptoms, they may collect a sample from your mouth, throat, or genitals. It can be analyzed for a broad range of STIs.
- Pap Smear. If your doctor suspects HPV, they may perform a pelvic exam and pap smear, which is a screening of cells from the cervix that can detect HPV, pre-cancer, or cancer.
- Physical Exam. A healthcare practitioner will examine you for signs of STIs, such as warts or lesions. Depending on symptoms, this may include a pelvic exam.
STI testing may be uncomfortable, but it is rarely painful. It’s the clearest and most efficient way to get answers and gain access to STI treatments, if necessary.
Treatment for STIs: What to Expect
If you are testing after learning a partner has an STI, initial testing may reveal a negative result. It can take time for certain infections to show up following an exposure. Instead of providing treatment, your doctor will likely schedule a second test.
If your STI test is positive, your doctor will offer treatment options to address your symptoms. The treatment they offer will be based on the specific STI you have.
In the state of Virginia, healthcare providers can prescribe treatment for a patient’s sexual partner for certain STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, without examining the partner first. This is called Expedited Partner Therapy. You can always check with your provider if your STI qualifies for EPT.
In many cases, STI medication can completely cure your STI. Often, the treatment is an oral STI antibiotic or topical medication (like a cream or ointment). In the case of certain bacterial STIs or parasitic STIs, the treatment may even be a single pill.
In other cases, medication can help with symptom management or recurrence suppression, such as with HSV. It can reduce your risk of spreading the STI, keeping future partners safe.
Certain STIs, such as HIV, will require ongoing medication and treatment. Advances in medication and technology have transformed the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with HIV. With the right care, it’s possible to experience positive health outcomes.
Find Compassionate Care at Virginia Physicians for Women
We realize it can be stressful or uncomfortable to pursue treatment for an STI. Many women put off treatment due to stigma or embarrassment. That’s why it’s so important to find a women’s health provider who is compassionate, trustworthy, and discrete. When you can trust your provider, you’re more likely to prioritize your health. For women in need of STI testing and treatment in greater Richmond or Prince George, VA, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the gynecology team at Virginia Physicians for Women. You’ll experience judgment-free care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We can’t wait to help you achieve the treatment and care you deserve.
