STD Testing Specialist
Fort Lauderdale Women Care
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Fort Lauderdale Women Care
Gynecologists located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the total combined cases of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — reached the highest number ever in 2015. To protect your health, gynecologist Dr. Khadra M. Osman provides STD testing and screening at Fort Lauderdale Women Care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for your safety and peace of mind.
STD Testing Q & A
What is an STD?
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is defined as a disease that’s transmitted through sex. STDs are a relatively common condition among sexually active people, affecting almost half the population in the United States. One of the biggest problems in the spread of these diseases is that often people don’t know they’ve been infected and show no symptoms, yet they can still transmit the disease to others. Also, if you don’t show symptoms right away, the disease may still pose problems down the road if left untreated.
What puts me at risk for an STD?
The bottom line is that unprotected sex is the primary driver behind the spread of STDs. Adding to that risk are sexual behaviors that include having multiple partners, drug use, and oral sex.
Also, if you have an STD, you may be at a greater risk of being infected by another virus.
Should I be tested?
The CDC recommends testing for the most common STDs if you fall into any of the following categories:
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Sexually active women under the age of 25
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Sexually active women over the age of 25 who engage in risky behaviors, such as multiple partners
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You’ve had unprotected sex
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You’ve been forced to have sex against your will
What should I be tested for?
The following are the most common STDs and the recommended testing for each:
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HIV: at least once between the age of 15 and 65
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Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: screen annually if you’re a sexually active woman under 25, or a sexually active woman over 25 who has multiple partners
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Hepatitis C: recommended at least once for anyone born between 1945 and 1965
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Syphilis: at least once between the age of 15 and 65
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Herpes: there is no definitive test for herpes, which can only be diagnosed through symptoms
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Human papillomavirus (HPV): a Pap test every three years; for women over 30, an HPV test every five years along with the Pap test
Either Dr. Osman or Dr. Sanches review your history and makes recommendations for STD testing based on your risk factors. Getting tested regularly allows you to keep tabs on your sexual health and promptly treat any potential problems.
