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STD Testing

Tahoe Women's Care Gary Willen, MD, MBA Our Services STD Testing
Gary Willen, MD, MBA - - Gynecologist

Tahoe Women's Care

Gary Willen, MD, MBA

Gynecologist located in Carson City, NV

It can be frightening to think about having a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but they’re incredibly common, and Gary F. Willen, MD, at Tahoe Women's Care can answer your questions and help with treatment. The STD testing process is smooth and easy and usually takes only a few minutes in the Carson City, Nevada, office. STDs don’t get better without treatment, so don’t wait to find out if you’re infected. Call the office or book an appointment with the online scheduler. Dr. Willen also services the surrounding communities of Southlake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Minden, and Gardnerville.

STD Testing Q & A

What infections does STD testing include?

Sexually transmitted disease or STD testing can check for any kind of infection using blood, urine, swab tests, or tissue samples. Most STDs are bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, and the most commonly tested for STDs include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B
  • Genital herpes
  • HIV
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

Depending on your specific symptoms, your specialist can also test for other less common STDs, including chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale. 

How often do I need STD testing?

The team recommends a testing schedule appropriate for your situation. In general, you need STD testing if you have symptoms such as:

  • New genital discharge
  • Genital pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pelvic area pain
  • Fever
  • Genital itchiness or burning
  • Genital skin changes, including bumps, sores, or other growths

If you have sex with anyone who’s tested positive for an STD, or who has active symptoms of an STD, schedule a test as soon as possible. 

The following guidelines also exist for STD testing, regardless of sexual habits: 

  • Everyone 13-64 needs a minimum of one HIV test during their life
  • Women under 25 need annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
  • Women 25 and older with multiple partners or new partners need annual testing
  • All pregnant women need hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis testing
  • At-risk pregnant mothers need gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
  • Women who have unprotected sex need annual HIV tests
  • Women who share drug needles need HIV tests yearly

Don’t be afraid to discuss your sex life and personal habits with your non-judgemental and caring OB/GYN. This information can help them to personalize your STD testing.

What do my STD testing results mean?

Your OB/GYN explains the results and what they mean for you. Generally, a positive test means that you have an active infection requiring treatment. 

The specific STD treatment varies with the disease but often includes antibiotics, antivirals, or other types of oral or topical medication. Your OB/GYN may also provide counseling on safe-sex practices and how to protect yourself from STDs in the future or decrease the risk of infecting your partner.

An abnormal Pap smear, which often means you have HPV, is a bit different because it may not require immediate treatment. But, your specialist may recommend more frequent monitoring so they can remove the HPV cells if they’re likely to become cervical cancer. 

Tahoe Women's Care makes it easy to get your STD testing and treatment in a confidential and supportive environment. Call the office or arrange your STD testing through online booking. 

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