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FOUNDATION FOR WELLNESS

STD Testing Resources

Testing is critical to prevent the spread of STDs and it is quick and painless.

FOUNDATION FOR WELLNESSS

STD Testing Resources

False assumptions about sexually transmitted infections, or STIs – how they’re spread, prevented, and treated – are everywhere, and it can be especially hard for people to get the facts. Making sure that you have the correct information about STI prevention and testing has never been more important.

Testing is critical to prevent the spread of STDs and it is quick and painless.

Schedule your appointment at a free/low-cost clinic today!

 

Free/Low-Cost Testing sites

Testing is critical to prevent the spread of STDs and it is quick and painless. Schedule your appointment at a free/low-cost clinic today!

Lafayette Foundation Clinic

117 Caillouet Place
Lafayette, LA 70501
337.988.9737
lfclinic.org

Acadiana Cares

809 Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Lafayette, LA 70501
337.233.2437
acadianacares.org

Lafayette Parish Health Unit

220 W. Willow St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
337.262.5616
ldh.la.gov

The Lowdown on How to Prevent STDs

  1. As of September 30, 2020, 51% of all early syphilis diagnoses occurred among persons 13-29 years old and an additional 28% occurred among persons 30-39 years old.*
  2. Louisiana rankings:
    •  #2 in States with Highest Infection Rates of Chlamydia**
    •  #5 in State with Highest Infection Rates of Gonorrhea**
    •  Overall Louisiana ranks #3 with the Highest Score of Infection Rates**

*Data based on Louisiana Department of Health, 3rd Quarter Report 2020

**Data based on CDC’s 2018 STD Surveillance Report

How do STI tests work?

Getting tested can be quick and easy. Depending on what you’re being tested for, your provider may take a blood sample, a swab, or ask you to pee in a cup. Easy! Here’s an idea of what to expect for some more common STIs.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
 

How the test is done: Swab of genital area or urine sample

What you also need to know: If you have had oral or anal sex, let your healthcare provider know this also. These sites may be infected, but vaginal or urine samples may not be positive.

HIV

How the test is done: Swab of genital area or urine sample

What you also need to know: If you have had oral or anal sex, let your healthcare provider know this also. These sites may be infected, but vaginal or urine samples may not be positive.

Genital Herpes

When a person has no symptoms

How the test is done: Blood test (drawn from arm or a fingerstick)

What you also need to know: Be sure to ask for a type-specific IgG test (not an IgM test)

When a person has symptoms

How the test is done: Swab of affected area; if at first negative for herpes, follow later with blood test to make sure.

What you also need to know: Must be done as soon as possible; “viral culture” test not as accurate after 48 hours. Viral culture also has high rate of false negatives. There is less chance of a false negative result with Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). NAATs are fast, accurate, and can tell if a person has HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Syphilis

How the test is done: Blood test, or sample taken from a sore.

What you also need to know: The CDC recommends all pregnant women be tested for syphilis.

 

Trichomoniasis

How the test is done: Swab of infected area, physical exam or sample of discharge.

What you also need to know: “Trich” is harder to detect in men than in women.

HPV

Low-risk HPV (genital warts)
How the test is done: Visual diagnosis (for genital warts, caused by low-risk HPV)

What you also need to know: Warts can occur in both men and women.

High-risk HPV (cervical cancer)
How the test is done: Regular screening with Pap and/or HPV tests.

What you also need to know: Pap tests detect cervical cell changes, not HPV. HPV tests indicate infection with the virus itself. No test available for men for these types of HPV.

The CDC site where this content is being maintained has undergone recent changes. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov for more information.

Know the Facts

False assumptions about sexually transmitted infections, or STIs – how they’re spread, prevented, and treated – are everywhere, and it can be especially hard for people to get the facts. Making sure that you have the correct information about STI prevention and testing has never been more important.

Did you know...

You also should know that all STIs, even HIV, are treatable, and most are curable. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and the health of your partner(s). Some STIs can lead to serious health problems if they’re not treated. For example, an untreated STI, like chlamydia, can make it difficult or impossible for a woman to get pregnant. An untreated STI can also increase the chances of transmitting or getting HIV.
  • STI tests are quick, simple, and usually painless. For example, rapid HIV tests can provide results from just a swab inside the mouth in only 20 minutes.
  • Not all medical checkups include STI testing. Unless you ask to be tested, you can’t assume you have been. Ask your healthcare provider which tests may be right for you.
  • Talk to your partner about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together. And if you have an STI, tell your partner. These conversations may seem hard to have, but open communication with your partner is essential to staying healthy and stopping the spread of STIs. These conversations may also bring you closer together. Here are some tips to help you start the conversation.
  • You can find confidential testing near you that is free or low cost by going to www.gettested.cdc.gov.
Content provided and maintained by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please see our system usage guidelines and disclaimer.

The CDC site where this content is being maintained has undergone recent changes. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov for more information.

How You Can Prevent
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Get the Facts

Arm yourself with basic information about STDs:

How are these diseases spread? How can you protect yourself? What are the treatment options? Learn the answers to these questions by reading the STD Fact Sheets.

Also: view “The Lowdown on how to Prevent STDs” infographic.

Protect Yourself
You have the facts; now protect yourself and your sexual partners.
 

Abstinence

The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).

Vaccination

Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit as more people have already been exposed to HPV. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.

Reduce Number of Sex Partners

Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

Mutual Monogamy

Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

Use Condoms

Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. But it is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention.

Put Yourself to the Test

Get tested for STDs.

Knowing your STD status is a critical step to stopping STD transmission. If you know you are infected you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners.

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to test you for STDs — asking is the only way to know whether you are receiving the right tests. And don’t forget to tell your partner to ask a healthcare provider about STD testing as well.

Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. If either you or your partner is infected, both of you need to receive treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected.

Content provided and maintained by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please see our system usage guidelines and disclaimer.

Visit Louisiana Health Hub to learn more about Get Loud Louisiana

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Safe@Home​

Safe@Home is a 90-minute program designed for students in grades 4-6 to help prepare them to be safe when they are home alone. The program teaches students how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. Students are also introduced to the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. This program will now be hosted in person! Each student will receive a Safe@Home student booklet to take home.

For more information about this class, please contact maddie@womansfoundation.com.