You May Receive Your STD Test Results Sooner Than You Think
Waiting to find out if you’re positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can be excruciating. You’re worried about telling your partner that they may want to schedule STD testing to check their status. You’re probably also wondering how you caught an SYD. Is your partner cheating on you?
These are only a few of the questions that are probably running through your mind while you wait for test results. So, how long does it take to get STD results? The answer may surprise you. Sometimes getting your STD test results doesn’t take as long as you may think.
The STD Testing Process
The process for STD testing depends on whether you’re visiting a health clinic or using an at-home kit. Yes, you can test for some sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and trichomoniasis at home.
How at-home kits work is pretty simple. Just follow the included instructions. You typically take an oral swab, seal it in the enclosed packaging, and mail the same off to the lab. You’ll wait a few weeks, and eventually receive your test results usually through your provided email address.
The process is similar if you go to a health clinic or lab. You’re still submitting a sample of your saliva, blood, or occasionally urine. Some types of STD tests require a swab from the genital area. This is usually done if you have signs of irritation or discharge. In comparison, at-home kits only test for STDs using a saliva sample. This is a primary reason why you can only test for specific STDs with a home kit.
Before you head off to have a medical professional take a sample for testing, you usually sit through an exam. The physician may even perform a pelvic exam, depending on your symptoms. After the sample is collected, it’s sent to the lab.
Since most healthcare clinics have labs on site, you can usually skip mailing the sample—this can produce faster results. The same is true if you visit a lab.
How STDs are Diagnosed
Most sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed through lab testing. However, some STDs display noticeable symptoms like Herpes.
The blister-like sores can appear around the mouth and genitals. If your physician spots the sores, you may begin treatment before your test results come in. Other STDs like HIV and Chlamydia can take several weeks to start displaying noticeable signs and symptoms.
Waiting to treat an STD can make it more complicated. Some STDs like Syphilis can cause lifelong health problems if you delay treatment. Instead of waiting for symptoms, it’s a good idea to go through STD testing at least once a year if you’re sexually active.
If you suspect a partner may have given you an STD, schedule a test immediately. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the easier the infection is to treat.
Timeline to Receive Your STD Test Results
Where you decide to get tested can impact the time it takes to receive your STD test results. If you use an at-home test, the process usually takes a little longer compared to a lab or health clinic. With an at-home kit, you’re mailing your sample off. Even using priority mail can take a few days for your sample to arrive at the testing facility.
Not all healthcare clinics have on-site labs. So, this is something you may want to ask before scheduling an appointment. If the clinic is mailing out samples, it can take several weeks for your test results to come back.
However, if the clinic has a lab, you can usually receive your test results in a few days. The same also applies to clinics with on-site labs.
So, you can often get STD test results back in a few days from a lab. If the sample is being mailed to the lab, expect to wait a few weeks for test results. Sometimes, it can take up to three weeks before you learn if you’re positive for a sexually transmitted disease.
Are You Obligated to Inform Your Partner of Your STD Test Results?
Admitting you’re positive for an STD is rarely easy. So, are you legally obligated to inform your partner? The legal answer is yes and no.
The law doesn’t require you to report testing positive for some STDs like herpes and chlamydia. However, you are required to report a positive HIV/AIDs diagnosis. You must report your positive test to your partner. Your HIV status is also registered with the health department.
Waiting for STD test results can leave you sitting on pins and needles. There’s also a chance you may test positive. If your test is positive, take a deep breath, and start thinking about your treatment plan.
