Going In For STD Testing? Here Are 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
We all have the responsibility of maintaining our health and ensuring that we take precautions, treatment and care to uphold optimal physical health. It goes without saying that sexual health is a crucial aspect of your overall health that must not be sidelined under any circumstances. And going in for regular testing is the most reliable way to confirm that you are free of STDs or STIs.
Doctor’s questions – part of the routine diagnostic process
Due to the stigma associated with STDs, many people keep putting off their STD tests. They are simply too embarrassed to face the uncomfortable questions that doctors or other healthcare staff may ask prior to the tests.
Some of these questions may include:
- How often do you have sex?
- Do you have multiple partners?
- Did you have unprotected sex?
- Did you change partners recently?
- When was the last time you got tested for STDs?
- Have you received treatment for any STD/STI in the past?
Now, it is important to remember that these questions during HIV testing Washington DC are simply intended to aid the diagnosis. The healthcare professionals in urgent care clinics are genuinely trying to help you. The answers you provide them will help them gain better understanding of your sexual life and subsequently arrive at a more informed diagnosis.
Got questions for the doctor? Go ahead!
When you go in for STD testing, there may be numerous questions in your mind. However, most people feel awkward about confronting the doctor with these questions. If you ever land in such a situation, remind yourself that these doctors in urgent care clinics have probably heard those questions hundreds of times before.
More importantly, your doctor can be a reliable and updated source of precise information related to sexual health. So go ahead and ask your doctor anything and everything you need to know about STD tests, treatments and cures.
Here is a list of 10 most frequently asked questions to get you started:
- Are STD/STI tests safe and accurate?
- If I don’t have any symptoms, can I still have an STD?
- If I get treated for an STD, is there a risk of catching it again?
- Do STDs spread through oral sex?
- How often should I get tested?
- Do I need to see a doctor to avail free HIV testing in DC?
- If my test results are positive, should I inform my partner?
- Are all STDs curable?
- How long will it take to get my test results?
- Will my test results be shared with my guardians or family physician without my permission?
It would be a good idea to jot down any questions you wish to ask the doctor. This way, even if your mind goes completely blank, you can easily refer to the list and tick off the questions during your consultation with the doctor.
Still worried about the confidentiality of your test results? Rest assured. All details related to your visit for HIV testing in Washington DC, your test results, and treatment will be kept completely confidential. None of these details will be shared with anyone without an explicit, written permission from your side.
