If you are sexually active, it is not uncommon to have a situation where you begin experiencing symptoms of an infection but are unsure as to what they mean. You should not try to treat it at home as this can make things worse. Instead, you should visit your doctor and ask for STI testing in Los Angeles. This sounds simple but can feel like an awkward conversation to have with your doctors, especially if it is your first time being tested. 

Your Doctor Wants to Help

Oftentimes we feel ashamed to tell our doctor there is something wrong in that department, but it is important to remember that your doctor is there to help you and is used to seeing these types of things. A doctor is not there to reprimand or judge you on your personal choices. Their primary goal is to treat any current problems you may be dealing with and prevent further issues from occurring. 

Voice Your Concerns

You should voice the concerns you have and explain exactly what is going on with your body. You do not have to go into specifics outside of your symptoms unless it is necessary, and you are comfortable doing so. It might be helpful to write down your symptoms before your appointment as you may get nervous or forget. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still ask for STI testing in Los Angeles. Getting tested is a preventive tool and a great way to be safe and proactive. 

Be Honest

Your doctor can only help you if they have a clear picture of your concerns. They may need to know some of the following:

• Your sexual network
• What gender you are intimate with
• Your biological sex
• Your partner’s status

These are standard questions they may ask you about and it is best to be honest so they can best help you. It is also advised to be honest with your partner about your status and results. 

Ask Questions

You may be unsure as to what you should be asking your doctor. Some questions you may have are:

• What test should I get?
• Will my insurance cover testing?
• What’s the difference between an STD and an STI?
• What are STIs?
• What will treatment be like?

You should use this time to ask as many questions as possible. You may have questions that come to you later, in which case you can always call your doctor. It might be helpful to also write these down to ensure you get all the information you need. 

Stay Educated

Preparing to talk to your doctor about STI testing can be difficult, however, doing some research beforehand on different types of STIs and their treatment can help you to be better prepared and more at ease when asking for a test.  Being informed of your options can help the conversation go smoother and you will not be left wondering about your outcome. Your doctor may also provide you with pamphlets and online resources for you to check out. 

STI Testing in Los Angeles

One thing to keep in mind is that STIs are more common than you think. There is no shame in getting a routine test or just checking in with your doctor to make sure nothing is wrong. You should never feel ashamed to ask for STI testing in Los Angeles. Call UrgentMED at one of our many locations throughout Los Angeles to schedule an appointment for STI testing.