STD Testing Guidelines

The following guidelines should be followed when coming to our clinic for STD testing. Learn more about STDs and HIV/AIDS.

Instructions for Females

Pelvic exams are performed when testing for vaginal or cervical infections. In order for us to obtain adequate vaginal/cervical specimens, it is important that you:

• Do not douche for approximately 2 days before testing.
• Do not use over-the-counter yeast medication for one week before testing.
• Do not come in for testing while on your period. Please come in only when bleeding has stopped.
• You should be off antibiotics for about three weeks before coming in to be tested.

Instructions for Males

• You should be off antibiotics for about three weeks before coming in to be tested.
• Do not urinate for at least two hours before being tested. Urinating too soon before testing for gonorrhea and Chlamydia can make your tests inaccurate.
• You can urinate before being seen if you are only getting blood tests for HIV and syphilis or if you are coming in for treatment only.
• If you are unsure of exactly what testing you will need, it is advisable that you do not urinate.