How is a sexually transmitted disease diagnosed?
Your caregiver will ask you about your medical and sexual history. You will be asked about any STDs you have had before. He may ask about the health condition of your sexual partner or partners. You will have a physical exam where your caregiver will closely look at the affected area. This may be your genital area, anal area, or mouth. In women, caregivers may need to do a pelvic exam to check the vagina and internal sex organs. You may also have any of the following: • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once. • Culture: This is a test to grow and identify the germ that is causing your infection. A sample may be taken by rubbing a cotton swab on the ulcer or taking a sample of fluid discharge. • Smear test: A sample, such as discharge, is taken from the affected area and checked under the microscope. This w
