STI Testing
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that come from acts related to having sex. Testing for STIs is one of the most important things you can do if you are having sex.
Testing should be completed before having sex with a new partner. This can ensure that neither partner is introducing an infection to the other. Testing before sex can also foster trust and safety with a new partner.
Testing should be completed with any symptoms. If you have pain, discharge, bleeding, bumps or blisters, it is important to complete all STI testing to find the cause. Many STIs go together, meaning you may have one causing your symptoms, but another that you didn't know you had! You should be treated for any positive STI, even if you don't have current symptoms.
Testing should be considered routine care. Even without symptoms, testing should be completed at regular intervals if you are sexually active. Some patients choose to come once a month, for others every 3 months is reasonable. STI testing should be considered routine care and come from a provider without stigma or judgment. Routine STI testing keeps the community safe and reduces the spread of STIs.
STI Types
Sexually transmitted infections are types of infections that come from sex. You can get sexually transmitted infections in your vagina, rectum, throat and blood. They do not come from surfaces or public bathrooms. Many STIs have no symptoms. This is why routine STI testing is so important.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs, often causing itching and abnormal discharge. It can occur in the vagina, penis, rectum, or throat and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea causes itching, abnormal discharge, and sometimes painful symptoms. It is frequently found alongside chlamydia and is treated with an injection plus oral antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a highly contagious STI that causes itching, abnormal discharge, and can affect the vagina, penis, rectum, or throat. It is treated with a course of antibiotics.
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Herpes causes painful blisters on the genitals or mouth. It is considered a permanent STI that can be managed with antiviral medication, though there is no cure.
Syphilis
Syphilis begins without symptoms and is diagnosed by a blood test. It can progress to a serious infection if untreated, but is treated with an injection of penicillin.
HIV
HIV is a virus in the bloodstream that is almost always asymptomatic for the first 2 to 4 weeks. While there is no cure, very effective treatments exist to manage the virus, and prevention options like PrEP can lower your risk.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by certain strains of HPV and appear as painless, flesh-colored bumps on and around the genitals. They can be treated at home or in the office, and the Gardasil vaccine helps reduce risk.
HPV
HPV (human papilloma virus) is very common and typically has no symptoms unless it causes genital warts. Certain strains can lead to cervical, throat, or rectal cancers, which is why the Gardasil vaccine and routine pap smears are so important.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis can be transmitted sexually, though this is not the only way it spreads. Screening for Hepatitis B and C is recommended if you are at high risk for STIs or have partners who use IV drugs.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a newer diagnosed STI that primarily causes urethritis (burning and tingling at the urethra). Testing is only recommended when you have symptoms and other routine STI tests are negative.
Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma is a rare sexually transmitted bacteria that can cause urethritis symptoms similar to mycoplasma. Like mycoplasma, testing is only recommended when symptoms are present and other STI tests come back negative.
Molluscum
Molluscum is not technically an STI, but it commonly appears near the genitals and inner thighs through skin-to-skin contact. It presents as clear, raised bumps and can be treated with a topical cream to help it resolve faster.
After Treatment
After treatment for an STI, we recommend not having sex for 10 days after both people finish treatment. This will prevent reinfection while the treatment is completed.
Learn More About STI Testing
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain sexually transmitted infections and the importance of routine STI testing so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
STI Testing in Greensboro and Across North Carolina
If you are looking for STI testing in Greensboro, North Carolina, Haven Health provides confidential, judgment-free sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.
Routine STI testing is an important part of reproductive healthcare, whether you have symptoms or not. Haven Health offers testing for common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, herpes, syphilis, HIV, HPV, hepatitis, and other less commonly discussed infections that can still cause symptoms and spread between partners.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities visit Haven Health for discreet and compassionate STI care.
Haven Health also offers telehealth appointments across North Carolina. If you live in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or anywhere in NC, you can meet with a provider virtually to discuss symptoms, testing, and treatment options, and we can send you orders for testing to be completed at a lab near you.
Haven Health provides patient-centered, evidence-based STI testing and reproductive care both in person and online across North Carolina.