STD Testing

Up to 2.3 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are reported in the United States each year. Because STDs continue to spread and can permanently affect your fertility, Dr. Hsu and the team at Yao Hsu MD, Inc. offer personalized and discreet STD testing at their office in East Los Angeles. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Los Angeles, California, or request an appointment online today.

Why should I be concerned about STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse. It’s important to be screened for STDs because they:

• Can increase your risk of cancer
• Don’t always have symptoms
• Can make you infertile
• Spread very easily

Plus, STDs can lead to uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms that you don’t want to share with your partner.

What are the most common STDs?

STDs are something you should be aware of if you’re sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners. Some of the most common STDs include:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital herpes
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Annual well-woman exams don’t always include STD testing, so it’s important to talk with your OB/GYN about your sexual practices and get the appropriate screenings as recommended.

Are there symptoms of STDs?

Not always, which is why routine preventive STD screening is so important. Depending on which type of STD you have, you may experience:

• Sores or bumps around your genitals, which could spread to your buttocks or thighs
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning while urinating
• Vaginal or anal itching

Some STDs also lead to widespread body aches and fatigue, which may leave you thinking you have the flu. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation at Yao Hsu MD, Inc. right away.

What happens during STD testing?

Dr. Hsu understands how uncomfortable it can be to talk about STD testing, but it’s an important part of your health and wellness. During your STD screening, he will likely ask you about what you do for birth control and barrier protection (like condoms).

Depending on your lifestyle, risk factors, and any symptoms, Dr. Hsu may also:

• Perform a pelvic exam or Pap smear
• Get a scraping or culture of sores
• Conduct a blood draw or urinalysis

It may take several days for your STD test results to come back to the clinic. Once your results are in, the team at Yao Hsu MD, Inc. contacts you for a follow-up appointment, if needed, to get started on treatment.

Schedule your routine STD testing at Yao Hsu MD, Inc. today. You can call the office or request an appointment online.