Private, Respectful Sexual Health Care for Women and Men
Sexually transmitted infections are common, and many do not cause noticeable symptoms. Testing is the only way to know your status and receive the right treatment.
Virginia Women’s Wellness Gynecology provides STI evaluation, testing, and treatment for women and men who request these services. Whether you have symptoms, recently had a new sexual partner, were informed that a partner tested positive, or simply want reassurance, our team provides respectful care without judgment.
You do not need to know which tests to request before making an appointment. We will discuss your health history, symptoms, and possible exposures and recommend the tests that are appropriate for you.
Should I Get Tested for an STI?
Consider scheduling STI testing when:
- You have a new sexual partner.
- You or your partner have had multiple sexual partners.
- You had vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or barrier.
- A condom broke or slipped.
- A current or former partner has tested positive for an STI.
- You have unusual discharge, irritation, sores, pelvic pain, or pain during urination.
- You have previously been diagnosed with an STI.
- You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- You would like testing before beginning a new relationship.
- You want peace of mind about your sexual health.
Many infections can be present without symptoms. A healthcare provider may therefore recommend testing even when you feel completely well. Depending on the exposure, testing may require blood, urine, or swabs collected from the vagina, throat, or rectum.
What STIs Do We Evaluate and Test For?
The tests recommended for you will depend on your symptoms, age, sexual history, pregnancy status, and the types of sexual contact you have had.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that often causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include unusual vaginal or penile discharge, burning during urination, pelvic discomfort, bleeding between periods, or testicular pain.
Untreated chlamydia can cause reproductive health complications. It can be cured with the correct prescription antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can affect the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. It frequently causes no symptoms, especially in women.
Possible symptoms include painful urination, increased discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, rectal discomfort, or testicular pain. Gonorrhea is treated with prescription antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes called “trich,” is caused by a parasite. Many people do not have symptoms.
Symptoms may include vaginal irritation, a change in vaginal discharge or odor, discomfort during sex, burning during urination, penile irritation, or penile discharge. Trichomoniasis can be cured with prescription medication.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that develops in stages. An early symptom may be a painless sore near the genitals, anus, or mouth. Later symptoms may include a rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or fatigue.
Symptoms can disappear while the infection remains in the body. Syphilis can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment, but prompt diagnosis is important.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, commonly called HSV-1 and HSV-2. It may cause painful blisters or sores, although many people have mild symptoms or do not recognize their symptoms.
There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medication can reduce symptoms, shorten outbreaks, and lower the chance of transmission.
Herpes testing is generally most useful when a person has genital symptoms, recurrent unexplained lesions, or another specific reason for testing. Routine HSV blood screening is not recommended for everyone without symptoms.
Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types can cause genital warts, while other types are associated with cervical and other cancers.
HPV testing is used as part of cervical cancer screening for appropriate patients. It is not a general blood or urine STI test, and there is no routine HPV screening test for men.
Vaccination can prevent many of the HPV types associated with genital warts and cancer.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, affects the immune system. HIV testing is performed using blood or oral fluid.
There is currently no cure for HIV, but modern treatment can control the virus and help people with HIV live long, healthy lives. Patients who test positive will receive counseling and assistance obtaining appropriate specialist care.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood exposure, shared injection equipment, or during childbirth.
A blood test can detect hepatitis B. Vaccination is available to prevent the infection. Patients who need ongoing hepatitis care may be referred to an appropriate specialist.
These eight infections—chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, genital herpes, HIV, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis—are included in the CDC’s analysis of common STIs.
Other Testing When Appropriate
Depending on your symptoms and history, your provider may also recommend testing for hepatitis C, Mycoplasma genitalium, or another infection.
There is no single test that detects every STI. Your provider will help determine which tests and collection sites are appropriate for you.
Need STI Testing or Have Questions?
Our team is here to help you choose the right STI tests and explain your results. Schedule a confidential appointment today to receive compassionate, professional care in a private setting.
Possible STI Symptoms
Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Burning or pain during urination
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- A change in vaginal discharge or odor
- Vaginal or genital itching and irritation
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sores, blisters, bumps, warts, or a rash near the genitals, mouth, or anus
- Rectal pain, itching, discharge, or bleeding
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or other unexplained symptoms
These symptoms do not always mean that you have an STI. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, skin conditions, and other health concerns can cause similar symptoms. An examination and appropriate testing can identify the cause.Many infections can be present without symptoms. A healthcare provider may therefore recommend testing even when you feel completely well. Depending on the exposure, testing may require blood, urine, or swabs collected from the vagina, throat, or rectum.
What STI Testing May Include
STI testing is based on your individual circumstances. Your visit may include one or more of the following:
- A urine sample
- A self-collected or clinician-collected vaginal swab
- A cervical swab
- A throat swab
- A rectal swab
- A blood sample
- A swab collected from a sore or blister
- A pelvic or genital examination when symptoms are present
The location of testing matters. For example, a urine or vaginal test may not identify an infection located in the throat or rectum. Tell your provider whether your possible exposure involved vaginal, oral, or anal contact so that the correct testing sites can be considered.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A private conversation
Your provider will ask about your symptoms, recent sexual contacts, medical history, and possible exposure. These questions are necessary to select the appropriate tests and are not asked to judge you.
Recommended testing
Your provider will explain which infections should be tested for and why. Not every patient needs every available test.
Sample collection
Depending on the tests ordered, you may provide urine, blood, or one or more swab samples.
Results and follow-up
Result times vary by test and laboratory. We will explain how results will be communicated and whether you need another appointment.
STI Treatment and Follow-Up
Virginia Women’s Wellness Gynecology provides treatment for many common sexually transmitted infections.
Bacterial and parasitic infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the correct prescription medication. Treatment may involve oral medication, an injection, or both.
Viral infections are managed differently. Antiviral medication can help control genital herpes. Patients diagnosed with HIV or chronic hepatitis may require coordinated care with an infectious-disease, liver, or primary-care specialist.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Prescription medication
- An injection administered in the office
- Counseling about reducing transmission
- Follow-up laboratory testing
- Retesting after treatment
- Testing or treatment recommendations for recent partners
- Referral to a specialist when appropriate
Take all medication exactly as directed, even when your symptoms improve. Your provider will explain when it is appropriate to resume sexual activity and whether your partner or partners should also be tested or treated.
- FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions About STI Testing
Can I have an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms or symptoms so mild that they are not recognized. You can still transmit an infection when you do not have symptoms. Testing may therefore be appropriate even when you feel healthy.
Is there one test that checks for every STI?
No. There is no single test for every sexually transmitted infection. Some infections are diagnosed with urine or swab tests, while others require blood tests. Herpes and HPV testing also have specific clinical uses and are not automatically included in every STI evaluation.
What is usually included in an STI panel?
The contents of an “STI panel” vary. Testing may include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, with additional tests selected according to your symptoms and possible exposure. Ask what is included rather than assuming that a panel tests for every infection.
Does a Pap test check for STIs?
No. A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV test looks for certain high-risk types of HPV. Neither replaces testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, trichomoniasis, or other infections.
How soon after a possible exposure should I get tested?
The appropriate timing depends on the infection and the test. Some infections can be detected relatively soon after exposure, while others have a longer window period. Testing too early may produce a negative result even when an infection is present. Contact the office so a provider can recommend initial and, when necessary, repeat testing.
Can I be tested during my period?
In many cases, yes. Blood and urine testing can generally be performed during your period. Heavy bleeding may affect certain vaginal or cervical samples, so contact the office when scheduling if you are unsure.
What should I do if my partner tested positive?
Contact the office even if you do not have symptoms. Depending on the infection, you may need testing, treatment, or both. Avoid sexual contact until you and your partner have followed the treatment instructions provided by your healthcare professionals.
Do you provide STI testing for men?
Yes. Virginia Women’s Wellness Gynecology provides STI evaluation, testing, and treatment services for women and men. Testing is selected according to symptoms, potential exposure, and the parts of the body involved in sexual contact.
Will my partner need treatment?
Possibly. Partner testing or treatment is often important to prevent complications and reinfection. Your provider will explain what is recommended for the infection involved.
Are my STI test results private?
STI testing is part of your protected medical record. Patients who use health insurance should be aware that an insurer’s explanation of benefits, a patient portal, or billing communications may contain information about the visit. Ask our office about communication and billing procedures when privacy is a concern.Yes. Virginia Women’s Wellness Gynecology provides STI evaluation, testing, and treatment services for women and men. Testing is selected according to symptoms, potential exposure, and the parts of the body involved in sexual contact.
Schedule STI Testing at VWW Gynecology
Taking care of your sexual health is a normal part of taking care of your overall health. You do not need to wait for symptoms or know which tests to request before scheduling an appointment.
Virginia Women’s Wellness Gynecology offers STI testing and treatment for women and men in a respectful, supportive setting. We will listen to your concerns, recommend appropriate testing, explain your results, and discuss your next steps.