How does a doctor test to see if you have STDs? - Perry* There
are different tests for different STDs. The kind of test someone
gets depends on the type of STD, symptoms (like sores,
discharge, or pain), and the person's medical and sexual
history. STD testing starts with a physical exam. A doctor or
will ask questions about health, including sex, then examine the
person's genitals. For girls, this may include a pelvic exam.
Based on what's learned from the interview and exam, the doctor
or NP may take one or more of these samples: a blood sample
(from either a blood draw or a finger prick) a urine sample a
swab of the inside of the mouth a swab from the genitals, such
as the urethra in guys or the cervix in girls a swab of any
discharge or sores Sometimes, the sample can be tested right
there in the health provider's office. Other times, the sample
is sent to a lab and the results come later. It depends on the
office and the type of infection doctors are testing for. STDs
can be sneaky. Often there are no si