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Ask the Experts Frequently Asked Questions
Sexually Transmitted Infections
How do they test for STIs?
Doctors and health-care providers test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in several ways. Depending on the symptoms, they might do a physical examination of the genitals; test samples of fluids from the vagina, anus, throat, and urethra; or do a urine test. They might also do a blood test for HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis.
You should ask a clinic or doctor's office which STIs they test for. Some clinics routinely test for only a few infections; so if there�s a particular test you need, ask for it. And don�t assume that STIs are tested for during a routine physical or pelvic exam, because sometimes you must request and consent to STI tests before they�re done.
For more information on STI testing, click here. To find a clinic near you, check the yellow pages under �Clinics� or �Family Planning,� or locate a Planned Parenthood Health Center near you at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or click here. You can also find a testing center near you through MTV�s Fight for Your Rights: Protect Yourselfsite locator.
