8 Common STDS: Best Time of Testing, Treatment, Re-Test

8 Common STDS: Best Time of Testing, Treatment, Re-Test

STDs hardly show symptoms; if they do, they are too mild to be noticed. At times, they seem so unrelated. For example, Chlamydia infection may give a sore throat. You would never imagine your sore throat is Chlamydia!

The only way to confirm whether you have or do not have a sexually transmitted infection is through a test.

In Arlington, you can get tested for STDs anonymously. Simply walk in a STD clinic near you and ask for a discreet testing procedure.

Chlamydia test

The best time for testing: 5 days after exposure

Treatment: 7-day antibiotic course

You need a re-test after 3 months to confirm you are completely free of the infection.

Gonorrhea test

The best time for testing: 6 days after exposure

Treatment: Although antibiotic course is the way to treat it, studies show that Gonorrhea is getting antibiotic resistant. A few strains have become hard to cure.

You need a re-test after 3 months of treatment.

Syphilis test

The best time for testing: 6 weeks after exposure

Treatment: course of antibiotics

You need a re-test after 2 weeks of treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests all pregnant women to undergo Syphilis test. A survey reveals that Syphilis is increasing becoming common among men who have sex with men.

Hepatitis A test

The best time for testing: 7 weeks after exposure

Treatment: There is no particular treatment. Mild cases get cured on their own without damage to liver. The doctor will suggest ways to treat the symptoms.

Re-test not needed, as antibodies stay in your body for life.

Hepatitis B test

The best time for testing: 6 weeks after exposure

Treatment: Acute hepatitis stays for less than 6 months and gets cured on its own. Doctor may treat symptoms. Chronic infection stays for more than 6 months and may require medication. Doctor may prescribe immune modular drugs that boost immune system or an immunoglobulin injection.  They may also prescribe antiviral drugs, which you must take for 12 months or more to slow down or stop reproduction of virus. This also minimizes liver damage.

Re-test not needed, as antibodies stay in your body for life.

Herpes test

The best time for testing: 4-6 weeks after exposure. Swab tests should be done of blisters that are 2 days old for accuracy.

Treatment: Herpes is incurable. Doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten or prevent outbreaks.

Re-test is not needed.

HIV test

The best time for testing: 9-11 days after exposure for early detection test that looks for HIV RNA. For slower test that looks for antibodies, wait till 1-3 months after exposure.

Treatment: HIV is incurable, but manageable. Doctors usually prescribe antiretroviral drugs.

Re-test is needed for people who are at high risk.

Trichomoniasis test

The best time for testing: 5-28 days after exposure

Treatment: A single dose of antibiotic as prescribed by the doctor.

Re-test is needed after 30 days of treatment. The above are the common sexually transmitted infections that you must test yourselves for. Please discuss with the doctor in detail about the need for testing and other important things related to your sexual health. Visit STD clinic for private STD testing in Pentagon City.