GENERAL STD QUESTIONS
I got an anonymous email notification; what does it mean?
- We provide an anonymous tool on our website where patients can send an email to alert previous partners to get tested. The service is anonymous, so we do not know who sent the email.
How long should I wait after exposure to get tested?
- Waiting periods differ for each STD. Learn more about the Waiting Periods for Each STD
Can I get more than one STD at once?
Can I get more than one STD at once?
- Yes. In fact, some STDs make you more susceptible to contracting other STDs. That’s why it’s best to get tested for all STDs. Learn more about STDs and Co-Infection
Can I get the same STD multiple times?
- Yes, Getting treated for an STD does not mean that you are unable to contract the STD again.
Do condoms prevent STDs?
- Condoms increase your chances of preventing STDs, but they are not 100% effective in preventing any and all STDs. Learn more about STDs You Can Get While Wearing A Condom
Are all STDs curable?
- Most STDs are curable, especially when they’re caught early. HIV and herpes are STDs which have no known cures but can be managed with antivirals. Learn more about Which STDs Can and Cannot Be Cured
Can I get an STD if I’m a virgin? Certain STDs can be transmitted through non-sexual contact as well as oral and anal sex. Learn more about Chances of Getting an STD
- Certain STDs can be transmitted through non-sexual contact as well as oral and anal sex. Learn more about Chances of Getting an STD
Are all STDs sexually transmitted?
- While all STDs can be transmitted through sex, some of them may be transmitted in other ways. Learn more about Ways You Can Get an STD without Having Sex
Should I get tested for an STD even though I do not show any symptoms?
- Many STDs may not show symptoms, or may disguise themselves as other illness/disease symptoms. The only way to be sure is to get tested. Learn more about STDs and Their Symptoms
What are the symptoms of STDs?
- Each STD has its own specific symptoms, and some STDs may not show any symptoms. Learn more about STD Symptoms
How do I know if I have an STD?
- The only definitive way to know if you have an STD is to get tested. Click here to see our STD Testing Options
What is the difference between an STD and an STI?
- Technically there is a difference between STDs and STIs. An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection whereas an STD was an infection that developed into a disease. Learn more about STIs vs STDs
What are the different types of STDs?
- There are many STDs. We test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, genital herpes, oral herpes, HIV 1, HIV 2, and syphilis. Check out our STD Overview
What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
- A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or “venereal disease” is an infection that is transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can also be transmitted through intravenous drug use and nonsexual contact. Learn more about how STDs can be contracted.
SPECIFIC STD QUESTIONS
What do my specific symptoms mean?
What do my specific symptoms mean?
- We’re unable to tell you definitively what your specific symptoms indicate. The only way to be certain is to get tested. Learn more about STDs and Their Symptoms
Can I get Genital Herpes on my lip or Oral Herpes on my genitals?
- Yes, you can get either strand of herpes in either location. Learn more about Genital Herpes from Oral Herpes and Vice Versa
What’s the difference between Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
- Though both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are caused by bacterial infections, they’re caused by two different bacteria and may produce different symptoms. Learn more about Chlamydia Learn more about Gonorrhea
Is there a difference between HIV and Aids?
Is there a difference between HIV and Aids?
- Yes, there is a difference between being HIV-positive and having AIDS. Though they share the same virus, they reflect two very distinct phases of the disease. Learn more about The Difference Between HIV and AIDS
Are Cold Sores and Herpes the same thing?
- The term “Cold Sores” is the informal term for herpes simplex virus 1 (hsv 1) because of the fever blisters or “cold sores” it produces. Hsv 1 is easily transmitted through kissing and sharing eating utensils. Learn more about Oral Herpes
What should I do to prepare for the test?
- If you are taking a urine test, try not to urinate for at least an hour before the test in order to ensure sufficient sample size. Additionally, if you’re taking the wellness panel, you will need to fast for 8 hours prior to the test. Otherwise, you don’t need to do anything to prepare for your STD test.
How do I know which test best fits my needs?
- It’s impossible to tell which STDs you may have been exposed to; if you’re at risk for one STD, you’re at risk for all STDs. You can take our STD Test Recommender, but the best way to be sure that you’re informed/ aware of the that you’ve eradicated all potential STDs is to take our 10 Test Panel.