Our Services / STD Testing

Genital warts, open sores, or unusual genital discharge could indicate you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Early detection and treatment are vital to stop the spread of STDs. At Peninsula Healthcare Center in Torrance, California, primary care specialists Kevin Calhoun, MD, Shelly Calhoun, FNP-C, and their superior team offer comprehensive STD testing and treatment when necessary. Call the office to learn more or use the online booking tab today.

What is sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing?

STD testing checks for sexually transmitted diseases you can contract from having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. STDs develop when viruses, bacteria, or parasites infect your body during sex. 

The experts at Peninsula Healthcare Center use the latest advances in technology and techniques to detect or rule out STDs and treat them when necessary. 

What are the common STDs?

Some of the most common STDs include:

• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital warts
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV/AIDS
• Trichomoniasis
• Vaginitis

You can contract STDs by having oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact. Sometimes, STDs spread from a mom to her baby during labor and delivery. 

See the Peninsula Healthcare Center team if you suspect you have an STD or you’re at risk of developing one.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Some of the symptoms you may develop because of STDs include:

• Genital itching, redness, swelling, or burning
• Gential (or mouth) sores, bumps or warts
• Unusual penis or vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Skin rashes
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Painful or frequent urination
• Infertility

HPV is a common type of sexually transmitted diease that increases the risk of cervical cancer in women.

You might not have any symptoms, which is why routine STD testing is vital if you’re at risk of contracting an STD. 

Why might I need STD testing?

It’s a good idea to undergo routine STD testing if you have one or more risk factors, such as:

• More than one sexual partner
• Not being mutually exclusive with a sexual partner
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Sharing needles
• Not using a condom or dental dam during sex

About 20 million new STD cases occur each year, and approximately half of them happen to people ages 15-24.

What should I expect during STD testing?

The STD test that’s right for you varies based on the type of STD you may have. Your specialist reviews your lifestyle habits, medical history, and symptoms. They also check your vital signs and complete a physical exam.

Your Peninsula Healthcare Center provider may recommend a urine test, blood test, cheek swab, or testing of fluid from a sore or genital discharge. They review the results with you and let you know the next best steps.

What happens if I have a positive STD test?

Some STDs are curable using oral medications or injections, while others aren’t but you can manage symptoms by taking certain medicines. Take the medications exactly as directed. Avoid sexual intercourse when being treated for an STD and have your partner get tested and treated too. You can contract an STD again, even after treatment, so adopt safe sex practices.

To schedule an STD test at Peninsula Healthcare Center or find out if it’s right for you, call the office or use the online booking tab today.