There are quite a few good reasons for having STD testing done on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many let their fears about how confidential STD testing process actually is. People worry about this quite a bit. THe good news is that thanks to the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is against federal law to share any of your medical information with anyone but you without your express permission. There are some things you can do to make the confidential STD process go more smoothly.
- There are a lot of variables with STD testing. They can range from how friendly the staff is and the different sixes of the needles they use. If they are just taking a little blood, they can often use a butterfly needle in the place of a larger one. Knowing this going in for your confidential STD testing can make the experience better and less stressful. There may be a wait time when you arrive at the doctor’s office or family health clinic.
- If they do draw blood, do not look when they put the needle into your arm. This can make the process a lot worse. If you are going with someone, try to talk to them during the process. No one likes to have their blood drawn but you do not have to torture yourself when you are having confidential STD testing done.
- Drink more water than you think you need. It is much easier to draw blood from a person who is properly hydrated. This is also good for pee tests. Some people even take a bottle of water to their appointment to make sure they are hydrated enough to make the tersting possible.
- Have a good meal. The last thing you need is to go for your confidential STD testing on an empty stomach. There are a lot of people who have a negative experience with nausea when they have blood drawn when they have not eaten before the test. Make your meals that day as healthy as possible on the day of your appointment with the neighborhood health clinic. when you are feeling your best, that is the ideal time to go for your confidential STD testing.
- If you are a woman, try not to go for any blood testing when you have your period. Normally, women have lower iron counts during their period. This will exacerbate any negative experience with any kind of blood testing that you need to have done. The good news is that they really do not need a lot of blood for STD testing so you should be ok but going for this during your period is not ideal.
- Ask lots of questions. In the first place, you should find out what exactly they will be testing for. Most of the most prevalent STDs such asTrichomoniasis, Hepatitis B, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis are tested for at STD testing centers but it is always worth it to ask to be sure. If you have concerns about one specific illness, you do not want to find out after the fact that they did not test for that disease.
- Ask how the STD clinic will let you know about the results. Some health care centers do provide same day confidential STD testing. Other times, STD testing clinics will call you or write you with the results. Make sure they have your contact information to get you the results.
- Do not worry about what the other patients are thinking. Some people worry that the other patients and staff at the medical clinics are judging them harshly because of where they are but, in reality, they are not. Most people are so obsessed with what they are going through that they are not going to judge you. Getting confidential STD testing is a responsible thing to do and should not be something to feel ashamed about.
Some people are embarrassed when they have confidential STD testing done but there is no reason to be. By getting tested and finding out if you have an STD, you are taking control of your health care and being proactive to get and stay as healthy as possible.
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