STD Testing & Treatment for Men
Many STD/STIs have no obvious symptoms or, if any, are very mild; therefore, it’s very important to learn about STD/STIs. Yet no matter how minor the symptoms are, STD/STIs can still be harmful to you and to your sexual partner(s).
It’s important to seek treatment for sexually transmitted diseases as early as possible in order to restore your health as well as to stop the spread of the disease. If you have ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, RealOptions advises that you get tested. Not only do we provide STD/STI testing and treatment, but we also educate you on how sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted. Our services ensure you understand the importance of awareness and early detection.
Walk-ins are welcome, and testing is available with or without insurance. If a question can’t wait, our 24/7 helpline is available at 1-408-866-9645.
How STDs Spread and Why You Can’t Always Tell
Transmission isn’t always obvious, and that’s exactly why it’s worth understanding. There are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, but a few basic facts apply across nearly all of them:
- Almost all STIs that can spread through vaginal sex without a condom can also spread through oral and anal sex without a condom.
- All STIs are treatable, and many are curable. Others can be managed with treatment.
- Many people with an STI don’t know they have one because infections often cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
- You can get an STI from someone who does not know they are infected.
- You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
- They can also spread through intimate sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact.
Supporting Sources: CDC: Know the Facts | CDC: STIs Overview
At RealOptions, we routinely test for gonorrhea and chlamydia using a urine sample (for uninsured or self-pay patients), blood test (for insured patients at Quest Diagnostics), or through a vaginal swab (for Well Woman patients). If the test is positive for an infection, then we will provide you with treatment and explain how your partner can be treated.
STD Screening Guidelines for Men: When and How Often to Get Tested
At risk for an STD? Most STDs don’t come with obvious symptoms, which is exactly why routine testing matters, not just testing when something feels off.
Per CDC’s Talk. Test. Treat. guidance for patients:
- HIV testing: Sexually active men ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine care.
- Men who have sex with men: test at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and at least once a year for HIV.
- Multiple or anonymous partners: those with multiple or anonymous partners should test more frequently, every 3 to 6 months for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
- Shared injection drug equipment: anyone who shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
- After treatment: follow-up testing may be recommended for some infections because reinfection can occur.
These recommendations are a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all rule: the CDC notes that screening guidance is a source of clinical direction, not a prescriptive standard.
Comprehensive STD Testing, From Individual Tests to Full Panels
Ask about our men’s STD testing options. We use Quest Diagnostics for the lab work and will provide you with the required lab request form on your first visit.
Full-panel STD tests available:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- HIV
If patients are seeking further testing, our nursing team refers them to their local public health department.
Blood, Urine or Swab: Your STD Testing Options
At RealOptions, we offer several ways to test for STDs depending on the infection and your symptoms. Here’s what to expect from each method.
Urine Testing
At RealOptions, we routinely test for gonorrhea and chlamydia using a urine sample for uninsured patients and through blood testing at Quest Diagnostics for insured patients. This is the standard testing method offered at our clinics for these infections. Our clinical team will explain what to expect during the visit and answer any questions you may have about the testing process.
Blood Testing
Several STDs, including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, are diagnosed through a blood sample. Your provider may test for more than one at once depending on your risk factors and symptoms.
Urethral Swab Testing
A urethral swab collects a small sample that is sent for laboratory testing and may be used to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea, depending on the test your provider recommends. CDC guidance recognizes both urine and swab specimens as appropriate for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
RealOptions does not provide urethral swab testing. Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing at our clinics is performed using a urine sample or sent to Quest Diagnostics for a blood sample.
Have questions about STD testing or which test may be right for you? Our team can help you understand your options.
What STD Symptoms Look Like in Men
Many STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, often cause no symptoms at all in men, which is exactly why testing matters more than waiting to feel something.
When symptoms do occur, according to Mayo Clinic’s overview, common signs of STDs in men may include:
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning or pain during urination
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals
- Pain or swelling in one or both testicles
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Rash, including on the trunk, palms, or soles of the feet
li>Swollen lymph nodes, including in the groin
