How does a doctor test to see if you have STDs? – Perry* There are different tests for different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The kind of test a person gets will depend on the type of STD, symptoms (like sores, discharge, or pain), and his or her medical and sexual history. To get this history, a doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) will ask about things like how many partners the person has had. After that, the doctor or NP will examine the person's genitals. For girls who have symptoms of STDs, this might include a pelvic exam. Girls who do not have symptoms and are just getting screened for STDs as part of a routine checkup probably won't need a pelvic exam. Based on what's learned from the interview and exam, the doctor or NP may take one or more of these samples: a blood sample (from either a blood draw or a finger prick) a urine sample a swab of the inside of the mouth a swab from the genitals, such as the urethra in guys or the cervix in girls a swab of any discharge or sores Sometimes, the sample can be tested right there in the health provider's office. Other times, the sample is sent to a lab and the results come later. It depends on the office and the type of infection doctors are testing for. STDs can be sneaky. Often there are no signs that a person has one. That's not necessarily a good thing. These "hidden" STDs can still put people at risk for health problems. Anyone who is having sex (or has had sex in the past) should get tested. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles How Can I Find Out If My Boyfriend Has an STD Before We Have Sex? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Talking to Your Partner About Condoms Some people - even those who are having sex - are embarrassed by the topic of condoms. Here are some tips for talking about condoms with your partner. Read More Telling Your Partner You Have an STD People who have STDs might feel apprehensive about discussing their disease with a partner. Here are some tips on talking to a partner when you have an STD. Read More If Someone With Herpes Has No Sores, Can It Still Be Passed On? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More How to Get Tested for HIV Often the only way to know if someone is infected with HIV is through testing. Here are the facts on what's involved in getting tested — and who should get tested for HIV and why. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More How Do I Find Out If a Guy I Had Sex With Has an STD? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More How Do I Get Checked for STDs Without My Parents Knowing? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Talking to Your Partner About STDs You know you should talk about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before the action starts. But what if the thought of having "the talk" makes you nervous? These tips can help. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.