STD/STI Testing in New York
More than 30 types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STD/STIs), making them extremely common among sexually active individuals. If you have a partner, you should get regular tests to ensure your intimate health is not at risk. If you notice any signs of an STI and you live in or around Brooklyn and Queens, New York, book your appointment with Dr. Alfred Shtainer’s office.
Why Is Early STI Testing Important?Â
A sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD/STI) passes from one person to another through intimate contact, such as vaginal, oral, or anal penetration. Some diseases like HPV or herpes may spread through other types of contact that involve simple skin-to-skin touch.
The importance of STD/STI testing lies in how silent the consequences are. Many STIs remain asymptomatic during the early stages, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV. A patient could be infected for years without knowing, while passing the infection to their partners. Early detection through screening and testing allows you to prevent further spread.
A preventative STI testing also helps accessing prompt treatment after the diagnosis. When left untreated, these infections can lead female patients to develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which often manifests as pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Male patients might get epididymitis, which affects their fertility and causes testicular pain.
Getting an STI test is the first step towards a healthier intimate life. Identifying if you have an underlying infection or disease lets you make informed decisions, have safer practices, and opens space for honest communication with your partners.
Types of STD/STI Tests
Blood Test
Blood tests are commonly used to diagnose HIV, herpes, and syphilis, as well as past infections. They are drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for a deep analysis.
Urine Tests
With a urine test, a professional can detect gonorrhea and trichomoniasis without using an invasive method. The process involves providing a sterile sample of your urine, that is analyzed in a lab.
Swab Tests
Swab tests are one of the most highly effective tests. They are done by taking a sample from the area where the symptoms are manifesting, whether it’s the throat, genitals, rectum, or cervix. They are commonly used to diagnose HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)
The spinal tap test is the least used, but your doctor may advise you to get it in case of being at a late stage of syphilis or herpes that is affecting the brain or the spinal cord. Also known as a lumbar puncture, it involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for a detailed analysis.
Who Should Get STD/STI Tests?
- Pregnant women: Women who are at the early stages of their pregnancy should include comprehensive STD testing in their prenatal care. Screenings for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea is recommended.
- Patients between the ages of 13 to 65: All teens and adults are advised to get tested for HIV at least once. For sexually active patients under 25, doctors recommend annual testings.
- Patients with multiple sexual partners: If you have more than one sexual partner, you may benefit from regular STD testing. Annual testings and screenings for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are recommended as well. Â
- Patients with a new sexual partner: When you start a new relationship, getting tested together is highly recommended, as it establishes a foundation of trust and responsibility for each other.
- Recent STD patients: If you recently received treatment for an STD/STI, you’ll likely need a follow-up test to ensure you’re infection-free.Â
About Dr. Alfred Shtainer
With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Alfred Shtainer is one of New York’s foremost urological specialists. A Board Certified Urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he holds a faculty appointment as Clinical Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and serves as an attending urologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
FAQ
How often should you get STD/STI testing?
The number of times you need to get an STD/STI test depends on your sexual activity and relationship status. However, doctors recommend getting a sexual health screening once a year for adults between the ages of 20 and 65 who have been sexually active at least once.
What if the results come out positive?
The most important thing is to stay calm. Today, there are plenty of treatments available to manage virtually any STI. Dr. Shtainer will help guide you through the next steps and maintain a healthy life.
When are the results available?
Results availability differ depending on what is being tested. For example, results for HIV tests are ready the day after the sample arrives at the laboratory. For chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis tests, results are available within 2 days. Other results f(herpes, HPV, Pap smear, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and trichomonas) take more than 4 week days.