Here are several ways you could bring up the std test kit in a doctor’s office or nurse’s office. Has anyone ever tested you for STDs, either before or during check-ups? What STDs typically should watch out for? How could you know when you really need to be tested?

If you go to a doctor for a routine physical, such as x-rays, the first thing he/she will likely to do is to run a simple glucose test. Or perhaps a urinalysis or blood test. STD tests are relatively easy to do. And STD tests don’t usually take long, with results in a week or two at most. But what if you’re having symptoms of an STD that isn’t visible to the naked eye, but you know you have it because you’re experiencing those symptoms (and you want to be tested) – what then?

Most health departments recommend that all sexually active adults get annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Those tests are simple, painless, and inexpensive. However, they don’t screen for all STDs, which means that you might not get an accurate result or maybe not even know you have an STD. Annual testing is recommended to alert people to the risks of sexually active life and prevent disease.

Another way to determine if you need to be tested is to ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to an STD clinic or sexual health professional. STD clinics are located in larger cities or in the nearby vicinity. The advantage of going to a STD clinic is that they offer STD tests at a low-cost and usually offer convenient scheduling for after-office and pre-office testing. And STD tests are confidential, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else knowing about your test results.

Many STD tests can also be done at home. For example, most gynecologists or Obstetricians/Maternity doctors can order STD blood tests from their local lab. STD blood tests can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, among other STDs. The advantage of ordering a home STD test is that there are no costs for an STD test kit or site visit. However, results of STD blood tests can take up to three weeks to come from a local lab.

If you decide to use an STD test kit, remember to do a little research to make sure you choose a reliable brand that’s been recommended by your doctor. Also, read the instructions carefully follow the directions. A reputable STD test kit will provide results within about five days of using it. And always follow the test instructions to ensure positive results.