Std refers to sexually transmitted diseases and there are as many as 25 diseases that can be transmitted through sexual activity. The transmission of the disease can occur through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids along with semen. Std testing is done through medical tests that identify the presence of sexually transmitted infections.

Std testing may be done either for a single infection or may include a number of tests to cover a range of sexually transmitted diseases. The tests may be conducted to detect syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomonas, hepatitis, Chlamydia and HIV.

A test may be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the reasons for the particular symptoms. Std testing may be used as a screening procedure to detect asymptomatic infections. It may be used to check whether a partner is free of diseases and it is also used before pregnancy or during pregnancy. The test may be used to ensure that the baby has not an infection.

Std testing is not accurate in all cases and in some cases the infection may not be immediately detected by the test. While using a test the patient is usually asked about any symptoms that have been noticed. Likewise a urine sample of the patient is taken. A physical examination for detection of sores and spots is also done.

For women pap smear is often an important part of std testing. This procedure is done by collecting cells from the cervix of the woman and these are then checked for cancer or other precancerous changes. A detection of cancer or changes can be due to the human papillomavirus. For men testing for stds should be done if symptoms are observed and if the individual has sex with other men.

In case of men who have sex with other men std testing for syphilis, HIV, Chlamydia along with gonorrhea should be done. In the case of certain signs like genital sores along with blisters, warts or discharge from penis or vagina, medical help should be sought. Testing in this case should be undertaken as per the guidance for the doctor. For sexually active women having sex with new or multiple partners, screening for Chlamydia and gonorrhea should be done. Such a test includes either through urine test or by swabbing from inside the vagina or penis. Testing for syphilis is done through a swab taken from the genital sores or through a blood sample. For HIV along with hepatitis A and B blood test is done.

Testing for herpes is done through culture of the sores and also through a blood test. Std testing is not done to cover all infections. Such comprehensive testing should be done if the symptoms are present and if the concerned individual falls in high risk group such as those having multiple partners. It is important to realize that a negative result on a test does not indicate that the person does not have the std infection. If the infection is in its early stages then it may not be detected by the test.

Using condoms can provide a certain amount of protection against some infections like HIV. But a condom may not provide complete protection against a std infection. If a person tests positive for a std infection then further testing may be needed following which treatment recommended by the doctor should be followed.