Introduction
Planned Parenthood is a health care provider that provides quality, compassionate care to anyone who needs it – including testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although the specific tests vary from clinic to clinic and depending on an individual’s needs, Planned Parenthood provides STI screenings, including HIV and other STDs, at their clinics.
Planned Parenthood strives to protect their patients’ privacy and maintain a safe space. During an STD visit with Planned Parenthood, patients will first meet with a professional healthcare provider for an assessment of their sexual health needs. The healthcare provider may discuss risk factors for infection with the patient in addition to gathering details about frequency of sex and any symptoms the patient is experiencing. After the initial assessment, the healthcare provider will recommend or perform necessary tests to determine if there is an infection present or not.
Planned Parenthood typically offers screening tests such as:
- urine samples
- blood and swab samples gathered from the genitals or throat.
In cases where a significant exposure has occurred, then specialized follow-up testing may be needed beyond what is offered by Planned Parenthood clinics. Results are shared with all patients promptly and any recommended treatment options are provided in conjunction with any necessary medical follow-up provided at all Planned Parenthood sites.
In conclusion, Planned Parenthood provides quality STD testing services in order to ensure patients can access the care that they need in order to stay healthy and safe. Depending on individual circumstances, the exact tests may vary but most often involve urine sampling, blood sampling or swabbing to check for infections present in various parts of the body such as genitals or throat. All results are immediately provided so that patients can receive treatment quickly if needed.
Testing for STDs
Testing for STDs is important for anyone who is sexually active, and Planned Parenthood provides a variety of services to help people who are concerned about their sexual health. Testing for STDs can include a variety of methods such as urine and blood tests, as well as visual exams. Understanding the different testing methods offered by Planned Parenthood can help you make informed decisions when it comes to maintaining your sexual health.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are a very reliable way to detect infections like HIV. For example, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a type of blood test that measures antibodies and can be used to detect HIV. Depending on the type of STD, blood tests can be used to determine if you have been exposed to the virus or bacteria that might cause an infection.
Other types of blood tests measure pieces of DNA or RNA from the virus itself – this is called molecular detection or molecular amplification testing. These tests are most commonly used for chlamydia, gonorrhea and sometimes syphilis, depending on your location and whether the lab can do it. In addition, some types of genetic testing such as whole genome sequencing may also be used for identifying STDs in some cases.
Urine Tests: Besides a physical examination, urine samples are often collected from patients in order to identify diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Urine samples allow doctors to examine microscopic pieces of the invading microorganism and check for any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of an infection. In some cases, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) may also be used in conjunction with urine tests in order to detect very small amounts of genetic material from bacteria or viruses present within the sample.
Swabs: Swabbing is a method employed by many laboratories for identifying particular STDs due to its relatively quick processing time compared with other methods like urine and blood tests. During swabbing, doctors insert thin swabs into certain body parts such as urethras or reproductive organs with the objective of collecting undamaged cells from the area being tested – these cells will then usually be sent off for further analysis at specialized laboratories.
Urine Tests
Urine tests are commonly used to test for common sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, by providing a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory and tested for the presence of bacteria that cause these STDs. Urine tests don’t usually require any special preparation, but if you’re taking an antibiotic for another condition it could affect the results.
Urine testing can provide accurate results in about 10 minutes, and is usually the preferred method for testing for chlamydia in women due to its high accuracy. However, many experts argue that urine tests are not as reliable as having a physical examination conducted by a medical professional because they may miss some areas where the infection lives.
If your doctor believes there is a chance you could have contracted an STD or if you feel uncomfortable giving a urine sample, they can administer additional tests such as swabs or blood tests depending on what type of STD they believe you may have been exposed to and the suspected area of infection.
Swab Tests
Planned Parenthood uses a variety of tests to detect the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Swabs are one of the most commonly used tests for diagnosing many types of STDs. During a swab test, a healthcare provider will collect samples from the affected areas and send them to a laboratory for testing.
Swab tests are beneficial because they are cost-effective, non-invasive, and can diagnose many different types of infections. For instance, some common STDs that can be diagnosed with a swab test include: chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis. Some other infections such as hepatitis C and syphilis also may require swabs in order to obtain accurate results. Additionally, Planned Parenthood healthcare professionals may recommend multiple swab tests if more than one STD is suspected or if there is an indication that the STD might be difficult to diagnose.
The samples collected via swabbing typically come from any openings in the body where the particular strain might be harbored (such as cervix walls or throat lining). Swabs may also be taken from sores or wounds associated with an infection and sent for additional testing. The results will typically take several days or weeks depending on the lab used and how complex testing needs to be performed on each sample. It is important for patients who have been tested via swabs to follow up with their healthcare professional about their results when they become available so that any necessary treatments can begin promptly.
Saliva Tests
Planned Parenthood offers saliva testing for select sexually transmitted infections including HIV, herpes, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
This highly accurate test is conducted by a healthcare provider and available at most Planned Parenthood health centers. Because this type of testing provides a sample from inside the body itself, it can be more reliable than other methods such as swab testing or urine sampling. Saliva samples are analyzed in a laboratory setting to detect any potential signs of infection.
For HIV and other STDs that can be spread through blood-to-blood contact, saliva tests provide an effective way to identify any potential risks. This is particularly beneficial for those who engage in risky behaviors or have multiple partners as they are at increased risk of contracting an infection. Additionally, Planned Parenthood offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication which prevents the transmission of HIV when taken daily.
In order to maximize accuracy and reliability of results, your healthcare provider will discuss the best practices for taking the test prior to sampling. This includes staying hydrated and not eating 30 minutes before the test is taken to ensure the sample contains enough saliva cells to detect any signs of infection. Your provider may also confide in you about what constitutes at-risk sexual activity or certain lifestyle habits your partner may have that put you both at risk of contracting an STD.
Planned Parenthood’s Testing Process
Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections is an important part of staying healthy. Planned Parenthood offers testing services to individuals who may not have access to other healthcare facilities. In this article, we will discuss the process of getting tested for STDs at a Planned Parenthood clinic.
We will cover the following topics:
- Types of tests available
- Costs associated with getting the tests
- What you can expect on the day of the appointment
Confidentiality
Plan Parenthood takes patient confidentiality and privacy very seriously. Regardless of your age, everything you share with staff members or providers during a visit at Planned Parenthood will remain confidential – no one else will know about your visit without your written permission.
This also extends to testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Planned Parenthood provides anonymous and confidential tests for many different types of STDs including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and HIV/ AIDS. The tests available may vary from location to location so it is best to check with the specific provider for more details on its services.
At most Planned Parenthood locations, the testing process begins with a typically brief questionnaire regarding your sexual history and any medications or treatments that you may have taken in the recent past. This information helps your healthcare provider design an appropriate plan of action. Afterwards, you may have to undergo an physical exam which includes a visual assessment as well as swabbing certain areas of the body that are likely to contain any viruses or bacterial infections. Samples taken during these exams will then be tested in a lab to determine the presence and type of STD infection(s).
After receiving test results, providers are available if needed to verify the results or provide more information on treatments or preventive measures you can take following the diagnosis:
- Treatment options
- Follow-up care
- Preventive measures
Cost
The cost for testing at Planned Parenthood health centers varies depending on your income and insurance coverage. Prices can range from free to several hundred dollars. For uninsured people, many services may be covered on a sliding scale basis, based on how much you can afford to pay.
It’s important to note that while STD testing is generally covered by most insurance providers, not all forms of contraception are. You may be responsible for the out-of-pocket expense if they aren’t included in your plan. To understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs, you should contact your insurance provider directly before you come into the health center.
The cost for an individual test for any single STD is usually about $50 at a Planned Parenthood health center but getting tested for multiple STDs at once will typically cost less than individual tests. Fees may also vary from one location to another across the country so it’s best to call ahead or visit online to get specific pricing information before scheduling your appointment.
Results
After the test has been administered, the individual being tested must wait for their results. Depending on the type of test being performed, results may range from instant to several weeks. Planned Parenthood is dedicated to providing accurate results in as timely a manner as possible, however some tests take longer than others to process.
- Instant Tests – Some tests have immediate and accurate results that are available on-site at the health center. These may include testing for pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Results by Phone – If a more detailed lab test is needed such as an STD or HPV panel, individuals will receive their results by phone within several weeks and will also be provided with resources if they are found to be positive.
- Follow-up Tests – Depending on the individual’s circumstance and type of infection they may be tested again or further monitored. This could involve another round of lab work or other medical care depending on the specific situation.
Conclusion
For those seeking STD screening, Planned Parenthood offers a variety of tests, treatments and other resources. Depending on the particular virus or infection, one may be tested via urine sample or blood draw. In some cases, a combination of both methods may be used. Treatment options vary depending on the type of infection and may include antibiotics, vaccinations or preventative treatments.
No matter what the diagnosis may be, it is important to discuss available treatment options with a healthcare professional in order to minimize any risk of spreading infections and reducing long-term symptoms or potential health complications.
When it comes to preventing the spread of STDs, education is key. Planned Parenthood also provides information on prevention strategies such as consistent and correct condom use for those engaging in sexual activity. Abstinence is always an option for those who are not active sexually.
Overall, Planned Parenthood is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for quality testing and treatment regarding STDs.