Everything You Need to Know About STD Testing in Florida
Sexually transmitted diseases affected 2.4 million Americans in 2023. These diseases include bacterial infections, like chlamydia and syphilis, and viral infections, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and genital herpes.
Getting diagnosed with an STD can be overwhelming, but many are treatable and, with proper care, don’t have to negatively impact you for the rest of your life. Regular testing is the best way to protect yourself and your romantic partners, and it can ensure you get any treatment you need to stay well if you have an infection.
Learn more about STD testing in Florida, what types of tests are available, how often you should get screened, and what to do if you are diagnosed with an STD.
What Is STD Testing?
STD testing is the process of screening someone for the presence of a sexually transmitted disease. These tests can include blood tests, urine analyses, and saliva swabs. Getting screened for an STD can be nerve-wracking, and it’s normal to feel anxious or even embarrassed about the thought of having an STD. However, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Getting tested shows that you’re responsible and care about your well-being and the health of others.
At LifeLine Health, we offer extensive STD testing in Plant City, FL at our comprehensive clinic. Our STD testing services screen for all major types of STDs that affect Floridians, including HIV and hepatitis C.
STD testing is quick, generally painless, and effective. In some cases, getting diagnosed will help you receive life-saving treatment and spare you from suffering for years of worsening symptoms.
Although you may be worried about the results, it’s always better to know you have an STD than to live in the dark. With STD testing services, you can get professional diagnostics, guidance, and support in a 100% confidential setting.
When Should I Get Tested for an STD?
That question is personal, and everyone has their own preferences. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get tested for an STD whenever your sexual activity changes. If you have a new partner, you may want to ask them to get an STD test before you engage in any sexual activity.
People who are sexually active with multiple partners should have regular STD testing to protect themselves. You should also get tested if you experience symptoms or have a history of STDs, which may return.
STDs can take anywhere from one to seven weeks to appear on a test after exposure. Sexually active people should get tested at least once a year to ensure that they have not contracted any infection. If you have multiple partners throughout the year, then you should schedule testing before and after engaging in sexual activity with someone new. Schedule STD testing in Florida if:
- You are worried about having an STD.
- You or a partner have symptoms of an STD.
- You engage in unprotected sex.
What Types of STD Tests Are There?
Testing varies depending on the type of sexually transmitted disease you want to be screened for. Blood tests, urine tests, and swab tests are the most common types of STD screenings.
Blood Tests for STDs
Blood tests can scan for the presence of antibodies or white blood cells that fight off infections. If someone has antibodies for a particular STD, then that means they either have a current infection or a history of one. More detailed testing can reveal whether a person is currently infected.
RNA blood tests check for the actual presence of viral cells in the blood. If an RNA test is positive, it means a person currently has the STD they’ve been tested for. RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, which is the genetic material that makes up all living cells.
HIV RNA tests check for the presence of live HIV cells in the blood; hepatitis C RNA tests can offer a definitive diagnosis of infection if someone receives a positive antibody screening.
If you’re anxious about having your blood drawn, share your concerns with the STD testing clinic staff. They will walk you through the process and can even suggest alternative testing measures in some cases. If a blood test is the only way to diagnose a disease you might have, then it’s important to collaborate with an STD testing clinic and get tested even if you’re anxious. Knowing your health status is vital to getting the necessary treatment and protecting any partners you have.
Urine Tests for STDs
A urine test can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. You will need to urinate into a sterile container provided by the STD clinic and submit it for testing. You may have to avoid urinating for a few hours prior to the test; this helps ensure there is a higher presence of bacteria or other organisms linked to a sexually transmitted disease.
Several types of STD urine tests rely on a “first-catch” sample, which means the first amount of urine a person produces after not urinating for a while. First-catch tests are essential for accurately diagnosing chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Swab Tests for STDs
Swab tests use a sterile swab to take a biological sample from a part of the body, such as the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. The swab can “catch” organisms linked to the STD and help the lab technician make an accurate diagnosis.
STD swab tests can diagnose many types of diseases, including HPV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. A swab test can be more effective at detecting an STD than a urine sample, and your doctor or provider may still recommend a swab test if you have symptoms of an STD after a negative urine sample.
Swab tests are painless, easy, and only take a minute or two. In some cases, you can get an at-home test kit and bring the swab back to the lab for testing. At an STD clinic, all of the testing is handled for you, so it’s easy to get screened and receive results quickly.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results Back?
STD test results are generally fast and take one to two days in most cases. Rapid tests are available that can provide a diagnosis in 30 minutes to an hour. Some tests may take up to a week to get back from the lab, but this depends on the type of STD being screened for and the testing method.
During your visit, you will be able to ask questions and learn more about any STDs you are worried you might have. You can also get information about the next steps if you have an STD.
If results come back positive, our healthcare professionals will offer comfort and guidance to point you in the right direction for treatment. We’ll also provide advice on how to protect yourself from STDs and avoid spreading the disease to others if you have one.
Benefits of Getting STD Testing in Florida
You want to stay healthy, so STD testing makes sense. Anyone who may contract a sexually transmitted disease should consider testing to protect their well-being. In Florida, it’s easy to get tested with a reputable clinic that protects your privacy. There are several benefits to getting regularly tested for STDs, including:
Peace of Mind
Getting an accurate diagnosis can ease anxiety and help you take action if you do have an STD. If the results of your test are negative, then you can let go of any stress and concern. In the case of a positive diagnosis, you can direct your attention to getting treatment and managing symptoms.
Many STDs are curable with proper treatment, so getting a positive diagnosis is really a good thing even though you would rather not have an STD.
Protect Your Partners
Responsible people who get tested for STDs protect their sexual partners from disease. You may worry about being honest about your health, but remember that most people would rather be told the truth than be exposed to an STD and not know.
If you have an STD and don’t know it, you can pass it on to your partner unintentionally. It’s always better to be informed about your health and take action to protect the people you’re sexually intimate with.
Stay Healthy
An STD can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health without treatment. Proper care ensures that you prioritize your well-being and avoid serious health complications like chronic inflammation, reduced immunity, and infertility.
Ease of Access
Reputable STD clinics like LifeLine Health in Florida make it easy to get tested for an STD any time you have concerns. In most cases, testing is straightforward, and when there is some discomfort involved, it’s short-lived and doesn’t come with any long-term side effects.
Affordable
STD testing is low-cost or free in most clinics, so you can easily take care of your health even if you don’t have insurance. Plus, getting tested for an STD can help you save money in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about the expensive cost of medical treatment for STDs that can become more serious over time if left untreated.
Can Testing Help Prevent STDs?
Testing is designed to diagnose STDs after exposure, but there are some medications available that can treat STDs quickly before they have a chance to impact your health negatively.
For instance, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can help prevent HIV in people who have a high risk of contracting the virus. PrEP can help people who are in a sexual relationship with an HIV-positive person protect themselves; you can continue treatment as long as you are at risk for the virus.
Meanwhile, nPEP (non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis) can help reduce the risk of contracting HIV after you’ve been exposed to it. You must start treatment within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure for nPEP to be effective.
How Do I Get Tested for an STD in Florida?
Look for healthcare clinics near you that offer low-cost or free STD testing. LifeLine Health operates in Plant City, Florida, and we offer free or inexpensive STD testing for many conditions.
You can schedule an appointment online or call the clinic to request a test. You arrive at the clinic, complete some forms with information like your name and phone number, and meet with a healthcare professional.
Filling out our online form makes it even easier to get tested; complete the details virtually, then arrive at the clinic to speak with a professional in person, get personalized advice, and get tested quickly.
Our Three Easy Steps
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- Complete This Form
- Make An Appointment
- Receive Treatment
Most Asked
How is Hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common ways that hepatitis C is spread include:
- Sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. This is the most common way that hepatitis C is spread.
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person. However, this is a less common way to spread hepatitis C.
- From an infected mother to her baby during birth
- Accidental needle sticks or exposure to an infected person’s blood in a healthcare setting
- Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
- Tattoo or piercing with unsterilized needles or equipment
- Exposure to blood on the job, such as for healthcare workers.
It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same restrooms. It is important to test for Hepatitis C and get medical treatment if needed to prevent the virus from progressing to chronic infection.
Will PrEP still protect me from HIV even if I don't take it every day?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV. It works by blocking the virus from entering and infecting cells in the body. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
While missing doses of PrEP can decrease its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, it still has some level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that even if someone misses several doses, the medication still provides some level of protection against HIV.
It’s important to note that if you miss doses of PrEP or stop taking it altogether, your risk of contracting HIV increases. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to take PrEP consistently and as prescribed. To ensure that you continue to receive the protection you need, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help you stay on track with your PrEP regimen. At LifeLine Health, we can help.
It’s also worth to note that taking PrEP alone may not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and other protective measures such as regular testing, barrier methods, and practicing safer sex should be used in conjunction with PrEP.
How can sexually transmitted diseases be prevented?
There are several ways to prevent the contraction and spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
1. Abstinence: Avoiding sexual contact altogether is the most effective way to prevent STDs.
2. Condom use: Consistently and correctly using condoms during sexual activity can greatly reduce the risk of contracting STDs.
3. Regular testing: Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis and discussing your sexual health with your partner(s) is important to ensure early detection and treatment.
4. Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated for certain STDs such as HPV and Hepatitis B can help prevent their contraction.
5. Limiting the number of sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners decreases the risk of contracting an STD.
6. PrEP: for HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV
7. PEP: for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can be taken after possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
8. Get treated if you do have an STD. Many STDs can be treated and cured, which helps prevent their spread.
It’s important to remember that STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your partners. If you have any concerns or questions about your sexual health, please contact LifeLine Health today.
Listen To What Our Patients Say…
Cristina Anderson
I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it’s because I went to Lifeline Health first.
Juan Bustamonte
