Individuals who are sexually active have a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases or stds as they are known. This is because these viruses can be spread through seminal or vaginal fluids, blood and direct skin contact during sexual intercourse. For treatment of these diseases correct std diagnosis is extremely important.

Some common std infections include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, human papillomavirus, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Std Diagnosis can be done through a battery of tests intended for different infections. Before going for a check up with the doctor it is important to remember that the patient should be honest with the doctors to get a correct diagnosis and this will also allow the patient to get faster and effective treatment.

Std diagnosis may require the patient to give urine and blood samples. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination which will include checking all rashes and bumps. Some tests that may be conducted include pap smears. In gonorrhea swabbing of the infected sites is done and a culture of the swab material may also be done.

Std diagnosis for a disease like Chlamydia involves collection of the material from the cervix. Many patients tend to opt for testing that involves vaginal swabs that are self collected and urine may also be used for testing. Diagnosis of syphilis involves scraping the ulcer base. This is then observed under a specific microscope but in most cases the diagnosis is made after a physical examination of the chancre.

Std diagnosis for syphilis may include special blood tests called rapid plasminogen reagent along with venereal disease research laboratory tests. In these tests the response of the body to the infection is detected. The diagnosis of herpes is done through physical examination along with blood tests and a viral culture. A sample of the fluid within the blister may also be tested for confirmation of herpes.

Genital warts can be diagnosed through an examination particularly in the light of the patient having a history of suffering from this condition. Std diagnosis for HPV can be done through the changes that occur in the Pap smear test. A biopsy can also be done to determine the possibility of HPV. Diagnosis of hepatitis B can be done through blood tests wherein the antibodies against this virus can be detected.