STD Testing

by Sheye Blaze

I've compiled a list of the items that I get tested for (with some notations).

The list is not all encompassing. Please do your own research and decide your risk factors, but I think that this is a decent list to start from.

The not-so-short list of appropriate blood tests:

  • HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
  • HSV 1 (Herpes Simplex Virus - Cold Sores)
  • HSV 2 (Herpes Simplex Virus - Genital Herpes)
  • HPV (Human Papiloma Virus)
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis A (most often caught by drinking contaminated water)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C (most often not transmitted sexually)
  • Physical Exam/culture only: Bacterial Vaginosis, Non-gonococcal urethritis, Trichomoniasis and a slew of other possible infections.

    All of these (except the last) have blood tests available, but not all of them are widely available. Some may be expensive depending on your state of insurance (both having it and what kind of insurance) and/or location. Ask your doctor/clinic what they actually offer. I would even suggest shopping around a bit.

    NOTES:
  • Vaccinations are available for HEP A, HEP B, and HPV, but you need boosters on occassion. You can request a "titer" from your doctor which will let you know if you're still protected or if you need boosters. It would be good to discuss with your doctor how often a titer should be done.
  • HIV/AIDS can have an incubation period. Regular testing is optimal even in monogamous situations.
  • HSV tests some of the blood tests for HSV 1 and 2 can show false positives or indeterminate results for anyone who has ever had mononucleosis. If you plan to get a blood test for herpes, let your doctor know if you've had mono; it may skew the results. HSV transmission may be reduced by condoms, but condoms are not truly an effective barrier to HSV transmission. The *best* herpes blood test is the "Western Blot" from the University of Washington -- this is not widely available and can be expensive. It does, however, have an over 99% accuracy rate including telling which types of HSV you do or do not have and it is not subject to issues because of mono or chicken pox.
  • Both HSV types can occur on either mouth or genitals. It is possible to have HSV 1 on your genitals or HSV 2 in your mouth/throat.
  • HPV there are many varieties of HPV. Some varieties have been linked to cervical, penile and rectal cancers. There is currently no HPV blood test and no good culture test for asymptomatic males. However, there is now a vaccination for HPV. Another note - the CDC estimates that approximately 80% of sexually active adults have been infected with some form of HPV. HPV transmission may be reduced by condoms, but condoms are not truly an effective barrier to HPV transmission.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis/Non-gonococcal urethritis are not truly an STDs. They can be caused by a great many "natural" issues within a man/woman's body, but they can be transmitted via sexual activity.