Women’s Gynecology Services
Women’s STD Testing and Treatment in Richmond, VA
Virginia Physicians for Women offers women’s STD testing and treatment at all of our Richmond, VA locations as well as our Prince George location. Whether you’d like to include STD testing as a part of your annual appointment, you’re having symptoms, or there’s another reason for concern, we can test for, diagnose, and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
STDs are very common among women. According to the US Office of Health and Human Services, more than 9 million women are diagnosed with an STD each year. Symptoms can range from mild irritation and/or vaginal discharge to severe pain and often do not present unless the infection has been going on for a while. Some STD’s can cause difficulty becoming pregnant or can be fatal.
That’s why routine testing is so important. Early diagnosis and treatment of an STD can, in many cases, prevent long-term health problems.
What are the common STDs in females?
The most common STDs in females include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
What are common STD symptoms women may have?
If you notice the following symptoms, you may be experiencing an STD:
- Changes in urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Insistent itching in the vaginal area
- Rashes or sores in the vaginal area
- Pain during sex
Many STD’s don’t present symptoms until they are further along. STD testing is often the only way a person knows they have an STD.
How are STDs transmitted?
STDs can pass to others by contact with skin, mouth, genitals, rectum or bodily fluids. STD testing can help reduce transmission.
How are STDs treated?
STDs are caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial STDs are treated with antibiotics. Most viral STDs can’t be cured, but symptoms can be treated. STD testing is crucial for early detection, which can lead to more effective treatment.
What does STD testing look like for women?
There are multiple different types of testing available for women seeking STD testing in Richmond, VA. STD testing in Virginia can be done via the following methods:
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Physical exam
- Taking a sample of fluid from sores
- Using a swab to take discharge or cell samples from the vagina, urethra, cervix, anus or throat
How often should I do STD testing?
If you’re sexually active, you should get tested for STDs at least once a year, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. If you have multiple partners, you should get tested before each new partner.
If you’re concerned about potential exposure to an STD, the best time to get tested is at least 10 days after your sexual encounter. This is how long it may take an infection to show up on an STD test.
- Get tested for STDs at least once a year if you are sexually active
- Get tested for STDs at least 10 days after sexual activity
We understand that getting tested can be a scary experience, and we are here to help. Getting your health screened on a regular basis is the easiest way to catch potential infections at an early stage and begin treatment. The earlier we catch infections, the earlier we can get you back on the path to health and reduce the risk of long-term effects and of passing the infection on to others.
Where can I go for STD testing and treatment?
Virginia Physicians for Women provides Richmond STD testing and treatment for women, as well as at our Prince George office. Check our locations to find an office near you. If you’re ready to get tested or you simply have questions about a specific STD, we can assist.
To make an appointment with a VPFW provider, call us at 804-897-2100 or schedule an appointment online.