If you’re sexually active or have changed sexual partners, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an essential part of protecting your reproductive health.
Many STIs don’t show symptoms right away, meaning you could have an infection without even realizing it. The only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing.
At Relate Care Clinic, we help you understand how STI tests work, their accuracy, and why they are crucial for your health.
Read on to learn more—or contact us today to schedule your free, confidential STI testing and treatment appointment.
How Accurate Are STI Tests?
STI tests are highly accurate when used correctly and at the right time. Different STIs require different types of testing, including blood tests, urine tests, and swabs. Some factors that can affect test accuracy include:
- Timing: Some STIs take days or weeks to show up in tests after exposure. Testing too early can lead to false negatives.
- Type of test: Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are best detected with urine or swab tests, while HIV requires a blood test.
- Proper sample collection: Ensuring that samples are collected correctly is essential for an accurate result.
The most common lab-based STI tests are 95-99% accurate, making them reliable ways to protect your health and your partner’s.
Why STI Testing is Essential
Many of the most common STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause obvious symptoms. However, these infections can still wreak havoc on your health, leading to complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, and increased risk of other infections.
Even if you feel fine, you could still spread an STI to a partner, putting their health at risk as well. Routine STI screening is key to preventing long-term health complications and preventing infection spread.
Relate Care Clinic Offers Free, Confidential STI Testing
At Relate Care Clinic, we offer free, confidential STI testing and treatment to help you take control of your health. Our caring team provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can ask questions, get tested, and receive the care you need.
Schedule your free STI test today and take an important step toward protecting your health and well-being.
