STI Testing Accuracy: How Accurate Are STI Tests?

There can be lots of uncertainty if you find yourself with STI-related symptoms. You may wonder about the accuracy of available tests and the likelihood of successful treatment. Liberty Women's Clinic can help you with answers to your questions about STIs. STI testing is accurate when performed correctly and can be in various settings, including medical clinics, doctor’s offices, and your local pregnancy center. At-home testing is even an option, but accuracy rates vary particularly for this method.  Many STIs can be successfully treated or managed, but you’ll want to receive regular testing if you are sexually active.

How Are STIs Passed From Person to Person?

STIs are typically passed through sexual activity and bodily fluids. A pregnant woman can also pass an STI to her baby through pregnancy and childbirth. Regular testing for all sexually active people is imperative. Without testing, early detection and proper treatment are both impossible. 

Untreated STIs can lead to health complications like heart disease, infertility, and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

Not all STIs display symptoms, but people may experience:

• Painful urination

• Lower abdominal pain

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

• Sore, swollen lymph nodes

• Unusual discharge

Who Can Develop an STI?

Anyone sexually active can develop an STI, but certain risk factors increase your chances: 

• Having a history of STIs

• Having many sexual partners

• Misusing alcohol or using recreational drugs

• Injecting drugs 

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse

• Being a young person aged 15-24

• Being forced to engage in sexual activity

Though you can get vaccinated against certain STIs, abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective way you can protect yourself.

STI Testing at Liberty Women’s Clinic

Liberty Women’s Clinic provides free STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Meet with a nurse at our clinic for a confidential consultation. Contact us about STI testing today. We’re here for you.