STD Testing
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Desert Star Institute for Family Planning
Gynecologist & Family Planning located in Phoenix, AZ
STDs are a widespread health problem, with around 20 million new cases diagnosed annually. DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, provides accurate and confidential STD testing at Desert Star Family Planning, in Phoenix. If you’re concerned about an STD and your sexual health, call Desert Star Family Planning or schedule an STD test online today.
STD Testing Q & A
Who should have an STD test?
In general, everyone should have an STD test at some point during their lives. STDs are a prevalent health concern — around half of sexually active people contract an STD by the time they’re 25. Dr. Taylor assesses your risk of STDs and recommends testing as needed.
Most STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms until their advanced stages when your health and fertility may already be damaged.
STD testing can reveal an infection before you have symptoms so you can get the treatment you need to protect your health. Some of the common STDs include:
- Herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis
At Desert Star Family Planning, Dr. Taylor offers STD testing to women and men of all ages. Survivors of rape and sexual assault can also have compassionate STD testing with Dr. Taylor and her team.
What happens during an STD test?
STD tests are relatively quick and straightforward. In most cases, a clinical staff member takes a blood or urine sample. Some tests require a genital swab to collect a sample.
Dr. Taylor sends your sample to a medical lab where technicians test it for STDs. Your results are usually available within a week.
What happens if my STD test is positive?
If your STD test is positive, Dr. Taylor provides customized treatment. Many STDs are easily treated with antibiotics or other medications.
However, some STDs such as herpes and HIV don’t have a cure. If you have one of these STDs, Dr. Taylor provides treatments and medications to protect your health and reduce your risk of illness.
How can I protect myself from STDs?
You can reduce your risk of contracting an STD by always practicing safe sex. For example, always use condoms with new partners or if you have multiple partners.
Additionally, if you and a partner agree to be monogamous, you should both get STD tests before having sex without a barrier contraceptive.
Dr. Taylor also offers Gardasil®, the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine was initially approved for men and women under the age of 26. However, in 2018, the FDA approved the vaccine for anyone under the age of 45.
Call Desert Star Family Planning or make an appointment online today for expert, confidential STD testing.
