How to Ask Your Doctor for an STD Test: What You Need to Know

How to Ask Your Doctor for an STD Test: What You Need to Know

If you’ve seen your regular doctor at all recently, you’ve probably surmised that STD testing isn’t a part of a “normal” check-up procedure. Indeed, if you don’t express concern about potentially having an STD, it’s unlikely your doctor will broach the subject on their own. It’s also important to note that plenty of STDs are asymptomatic, and are more-or-less undetectable –– no matter how thorough an examination your doctor performs. So if you’re worried about your sexual well-being, but aren’t sure how to ask your doctor for an STD test, then know that you aren’t alone. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tested at the doctor’s office.

When Should I Get Tested?

The obvious answer to this question is: you should get tested after you’ve experienced symptoms of an STD. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. As mentioned above, many STDs can remain dormant for days, weeks –– or even months at a time. So it’s vital to get tested for STDs regularly if you’ve had unprotected sex (that includes vaginal, oral, and anal) in the recent past. Similarly, if you’ve begun seeing a new partner, or engaged in any act that might allow for the transference of an STD, you should explore your testing options. Otherwise, you could have contracted an STD and not even realize it.

Will My Insurance Cover the Test?

In brief, maybe. Some insurance providers will cover STD tests –– others won’t. To be more specific, some insurance providers won’t cover preventative screening measures (i.e. you have to be exhibiting symptoms first). Furthermore, it may not always be wise to receive an STD test through your insurance. That’s because the your test results will appear on your medical records and be available to your insurance company.

What Test Should I Ask For?

Unfortunately, getting the right test at the doctor’s office can be a tricky proposition. If you want a “comprehensive” STD test, you’ll instead have to request individual tests for herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, etc. If you’re worried about one STD in particular then this might not be much of an issue. But if you don’t know what STD you have –– if any –– this could prove more troublesome.

What Happens if My Doctor Says No?

Believe it or not, some doctors won’t grant your request to get tested for STDs. This could happen for a number of reasons. Your doctor might not believe that you’re at risk for an STD, and reason that getting tested is unnecessary. Or they might not have access to a lab that can complete the test you requested. Or they simply might be under-informed about the latest testing methods and capabilities. (In some instances, they may not even know about new STDs!) Whatever the reason, plenty of doctors will perform STD testing for you, but you may have to explain to them why you want/need it.