In addition to offering HPV and HIV testing, our Smithtown office also offers STD testing for other infections. The most common of these are chlamydia and gonorrhea, but less common STDs are trichomoniasis, syphilis, and hepatitis B or C. Some of these are culture tests, while others are blood tests. We offer testing for all of these infections. If any of these tests are positive, the doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options.

Even when having protected sex, it’s possible for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, to transfer between sexual partners. Being tested for STDs is the only way to confirm with absolute certainty whether or not you have an STD. Our gynecology office offers STD testing and treatment, if necessary.

STD Tests from Stony Brook Women’s Health

At Stony Brook Women’s Health, we offer STD testing for a variety of conditions. We check for some of these conditions with blood tests, and others with culture tests. Common conditions include:

How do STD Tests Work?

There are several methods of STD testing. Depending on the specific condition that the gynecologist is testing for, they may use one or more methods.

• Urine test: The patient urinates into a cup. The urine is then tested in the lab.
• Cheek swab: The patient rubs the inside of her cheek with a soft swab to collect saliva.
• Blood test: The gynecologist or nurse takes blood from the arm, or a quick finger prick.
• Physical exam: The doctor examines the genitals for signs of STDs, which may include warts, sores, rashes, irritation and/or discharge.
• Sores: For patients who have sores, the gynecologist may take a fluid sample with a swab.

About STDs & STIs

While all STDs & STIs can be transmitted sexually and through bodily fluids, the symptoms can vary. Here we list several STDs and STIs that people often inquire about. If you need more information, please contact the doctor today. Our STD testing includes these and all others. We provide both culture and blood testing in our Smithtown office.

HPV

Human papillomavirus has more than 100 strains. Of those strains, 40 can be sexually transmitted by infecting the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 40 types of HPV strains that can infect genital areas. The linings of the vagina, cervix and rectum can also become infected by this virus.

HPV is spread through genital contact with a person who has been infected with the virus. Transmission occurs most commonly through vaginal, anal or oral sex. HPV is one of the most common STIs, and the majority of people infected never show symptoms. Certain types of HPV may cause either genital warts or cancers in men and women.

There is no way to test for HPV in men. For women, a Pap test can screen for abnormal cells on your cervix that could possibly turn to cancer in the future. At Stony Brook Women’s Health, we offer Pap screening as a routine testing. There is no cure for HPV, but when treatment is needed, it will be focused around removing the warts.

HIV/AIDS

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system. If a person is infected by HIV, their immune system will have difficulty fighting off infections and diseases. Left untreated, HIV can take around 10 or 15 years to develop into AIDS, at which point the immune system has been severely damaged. The most common way to become infected is to have anal or vaginal sex with someone infected, or by using infected needles or syringes.

Within a few weeks of HIV infection, patients may experience symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, night sweats and nausea. Although there is no cure for AIDS, there are antiretroviral regimens, which will slow down the progress of the disease, and help keep your immune system strong.

We offer blood testing to check for presence of the HIV virus. We can discuss treatment options with patients who test positive, and advice about preventing infection for patients who test negative.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect the genital tract, mouth and retum. Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. Infected mothers may spread this disease during pregnancy, labor, or while nursing the child.

The most common symptoms for Gonorrhea include pain when urinating, and uncommon discharge. Many women mistakenly believe gonorrhea is a vaginal infection, but most will not experience any symptoms at all. A rectal infection may also include discharge, anal itching, painful bowel movements, or no symptoms at all.

The most common treatment for Gonorrhea is antibiotics, specifically ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and doxycycline.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease most commonly found in women. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis which can cause women to experience vaginal infections. This is one of the most common curable STDs, and is typically spread from sexual intercourse through penis to vagina. Women can become infected with Trichomoniasis from having intercourse with a man or woman. However, most men are infected by women.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis include a yellowish-green vaginal discharge, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Other symptoms of this infection include pain while urinating, itching/irritation near the vaginal area. Trichomoniasis symptoms typically appear within 5 to 30 days of being exposed.

Trichomoniasis is most commonly treated with a single dose of either metronidazole or tinidazole, which will rid your body of the parasite. Symptoms of this disease may disappear without treatment, however, even if the symptoms disappear, it’s possible to continue spreading the infection. We recommend not participating in sexual intecrouse until you have been treated with either of the prescription drugs previously mentioned above.