You took the step of making an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) appointment at The Resource Center, but now the questions start popping into your mind. What kind of testing does The Resource Center do? How will the STD test be performed? What exactly will happen at my appointment?
First off, congratulations for making the wise decision to get tested! STD testing is important for every sexually active individual, but especially for woman before a pregnancy or an abortion. Many people with STDs will have no noticeable symptoms, yet medical procedures can be complicated by infection and put your future health at risk. Having an STD at the time of an abortion can increase your changes of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and so it’s important to be tested before you go for an abortion.
When you show up for your STD appointment at the Resource Center, you will be greeted by a receptionist. If you have not completed any paperwork, the receptionist will have you fill out an intake form with some basic information. The receptionist will also need to get a copy of your identification. If you have already filled out the paperwork, the receptionist will verify your name and date of birth. After the paperwork is filled out, you will be asked to wait for the nurse to come get you.
After the nurse is aware of your arrival, the nurse will call your name and take you back to a private room. The nurse will have some medical questions to ask you, especially related to sexual activity. The nurse will then ask you to sign a consent form stating that you give The Resource Center permission to perform the STD tests. The nurse will also ask you to fill out a sexual behavior inventory form that gives the nurse a better idea of any other sexual behaviors that put your health at risk. At this point, the nurse will usually ask if you are ready for the STD test to be performed.
The two STDs that The Resource Center is able to test for are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Both STDs can be tested for using a urine sample. You will be given a little plastic cup with a lid called a urine specimen cup. You will take the plastic cup into the bathroom and provide a urine sample. Your urine sample will be sent to a lab for testing. Usually the results of your STD test will be back within one week.
After you provide the urine sample, the nurse will review your paperwork with you and provide you information on the STDs. If you have any questions, this is a great time to ask the nurse. The nurse can also give you resources for other medical facilities that provide further care for your sexual health.
About 1 week after your first appointment, you will come back for another appointment to go over your STD test results with a nurse. The nurse will go through your results with you, provide treatment as needed if your test results show that you are positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or both. If you are positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, it is important that you let your sexual partner or partners know the results so they can be tested and treated.
So how can you prepare for your STD appointment? You can make sure to drink plenty of water before your appointment so that you will be able to provide a urine sample. You can make sure to bring a form of identification. You can bring questions that you have about your sexual health. The Resource Center offers free STD tests because we care about you and your health. All services are free and confidential. We would be honored to provide the services you need. Call us today at 970-353-2673 (Greeley Location) or 970-833-1679 (Windsor Location) to set up an appointment.
