Wondering how long do STD results take? Ladies in the St. Louis/Metro East area, we’re in your corner! Getting tested for STDs is super important. Not just for your physical health, but for your peace of mind. Your future depends on your health. You deserve the best! We’re here as a local health clinic to help you take charge of your health with no judgment, no stress, and no cost. Even when test results take a few days, it’s totally worth it. If you’ve been putting off getting tested for STDs (or wondering if you should), let me reassure you: you’re making a smart and proactive choice by looking into it. Go, you!
What’s the Testing Process, and How Long Do STD Results Take?
A lot of women feel nervous if they haven’t been tested before.
Will it be painful?
Will the medical staff judge me?
Will my results be confidential?
Will it take forever for me to get answers?
Let us put your mind at ease: Testing is quick, easy, confidential, and judgment-free.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also commonly called STDs) aren’t all the same. True, they’re all spread to a sexual partner through contact with the genitals or bodily fluids (including intimate touching, vaginal, anal, and oral sex). But different STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or parasites — and affect the body in different ways.1 It’s possible to have more than one STD at the same time, and some infections have symptoms that are similar to each other.
Most STD screenings (like the no-cost tests at ThriVe Metro East) detect the most common infections, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV. Some of these infections can be detected by a urine test or by testing fluids with genital swab. Other infections are diagnosed with a blood test (like a syphilis and HIV test).2
How long do STD results take? We send the samples off to a lab for the most accurate results, and you’ll have your STD test result in just a few days.
It’s honestly super quick, and (other than a tiny pinch for a blood test) pain-free. Because STD testing is such an important part of staying healthy, we make it as simple and stress-free as possible. At your appointment, you deserve to feel safe and heard.
When you’re unsure about the process, it can make you feel anxious, right? The thought of a test may get your mind racing. That’s totally understandable! So let’s walk through what you can expect at a ThriVe STD screening, step-by-step:
Your Appointment: When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly women who genuinely care about your health. Honestly, we’ve been there. We aren’t here to judge you. We genuinely want to help. We’ll walk you through everything. You should never be left wondering what comes next when it comes to screenings. Confidentiality is our top priority — whatever happens here stays here.
The Tests: Not sure what STD you might have? Asking yourself “How long do STD results take?” Not a biggie. We’ll get you screened for some of the most common STDs, including:
- Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: Two bacterial infections that can show up without symptoms. But they can lead to serious health issues if untreated.
- Syphilis: A sneaky infection that starts with a painless sore, then progresses in stages. It can cause major problems if left untreated.
- Trichomoniasis: A common parasitic infection that often flies under the radar. If it’s untreated, it can be both uncomfortable and increase the risk of getting another STD.3 But it’s totally treatable.
- HIV: The virus that causes AIDS. Early detection can make a world of difference in treatment.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Not technically an STD, but it’s often lumped in because it’s connected to sexual activity. BV can cause discomfort and increase your risk of other infections.3
The Lab Work: Once your samples are collected, we send them off to a trusted lab for analysis. This ensures you get the most accurate and comprehensive results. While it’s not same-day testing, the few days you wait are so worth it for the peace of mind that comes with reliable results. You are worth it.
Getting Your Results: Within a few days, we’ll get in touch to share your results. If anything comes back positive, don’t worry — we’ll guide you through the next steps. Often we can provide low or no cost treatment at your appointment! But if needed, we can also refer for treatment.
How Long Do STD Results Take? Why Lab-Analyzed Results Are Worth the Wait
We totally get it: waiting for results can feel like an eternity. But here’s the deal — accuracy matters way more than speed when it comes to STD testing. Some places offer same-day testing, but those tests sometimes trade precision for quick answers. By using lab-analyzed screenings, we can ensure your results are thorough and reliable, so there’s no second-guessing.
When you opt for a more thorough test, that means:
- You’re less likely to get a false negative or positive.
- You can feel confident moving forward, whether your results are clear or you need treatment.
- You’re prioritizing your long-term health and peace of mind with results you’re sure are accurate.
Tips for Getting Through the Wait
Okay, so waiting isn’t exactly fun — we hear you! Here are a few tips to make the time pass a little easier:
- Stay Busy: Plan activities that keep your mind occupied. This could be anything from binge-watching your favorite series to deep-cleaning your room (hey, productivity boost!). You do you, boo.
- Talk It Out: If you’re feeling anxious, confide in a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes, just saying your worries out loud can take the edge off. Getting screened is nothing to feel shame about.
- Practice Self-Care: This is your moment to pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk, journal your thoughts, or treat yourself to something you love.
- Educate Yourself: Use this time to learn more about sexual health. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions.
- Focus on the Positive: Remember, you’re doing an amazing thing by getting tested. It’s a huge step toward taking care of yourself and your future.
- Delay Having Sex: It’s super important not to have sex while you wait for your results. If you’re sexually active during the wait time, it’s possible to contract an STD — which would compromise the results of your test.
Why Getting Tested Is So Important
If you’re still wondering “How long do STD results take?” and are on the fence about getting tested, that’s ok! Please give us a call if you have questions. Our nurses are on-hand to talk to you. Many STDs don’t show symptoms, which means you could have one without even knowing it. Left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications like infertility, chronic pain, or even life-threatening conditions.5
Getting tested is about more than just protecting yourself—it’s about caring for your partner, too. Knowing your status can help you take steps to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.
What If I Test Positive?
First things first—don’t panic. A positive result doesn’t define you, and it’s not the end of the world. And if you need someone to listen, our women’s\ are always here to provide emotional support. Most STDs are treatable, and many are completely curable.4 At ThriVe, we’ll walk you through your options and connect you with resources to get the care you need. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back every step of the way.
You’re Not Alone
We know that even thinking about STD testing (and the stress of wondering “how long do STD results take?”) can feel overwhelming, but you’ll come through this. At ThriVe, we’re here to support you with compassion and care. No judgment, no pressure—just a safe space to take control of your health.
So, what are you waiting for? Take that next step and schedule your no-cost STD screening today. You deserve to feel confident, empowered, and totally in charge of your sexual health. We’ll be here cheering you on every step of the way.
Sources:
1 https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html
2https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246
3 https://www.cdc.gov/trichomoniasis/about/index.html
4https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081
5https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240
