Swab STD Tests London

The kind of STD testing you need will depend largely on a couple of factors. The symptoms you are having, number of people you’ve had sex with, if you or your partner has ever had an STD before, the kind of sex you’ve had (oral, anal, vaginal), how often you use protections like condoms and dental dams and other things you do that increases your vulnerability of getting infected.

STI and HIV testing is confidential, which means your health information is private.

STD testing is usually done by taking swabs and collecting body fluids, which are sent to the laboratory. Testing for Hepatitis, HIV and syphilis is done using a blood sample. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests are being done with a urine sample, or a swab of your genitals, throat or anus. In the presence of any symptoms, other swabs, tests or exams may be recommended.

How Swab Tests are done

Swab tests are done with a sterile q-tip that is sent to the laboratory for testing. Swabs may be taken from the cervix, penis, vagina, throat, skin, or anus.

• Vaginal and Cervical: In women, a swab is collected from the cervix or vagina using a sterile q-tip. This test is performed if you have had vaginal sex or notice changes such as increased fluid or a change in fluid from your vagina. A Pap test may come in handy at the same time.
• Urethral (penis): When you experience discharge from or burning sensation when peeing, a swab from the penis is usually done. A very small, sterile q-tip is gently placed into the tip of the penis. It can be initially uncomfortable, but it’s over quickly. This test is most accurate if you have not passed urine for 2 hours beforehand.
• Anal: By gently inserting a q-tip into the anus, a swab is taken from the inside of the rectum. This is done if you have had anal sex or noticed changes like pus, pain or bleeding from the rectum.
• Throat: If you have had oral sex or a sore throat, a throat swab is usually taken by using a q-tip to swab your throat.

The essence of all these collections of samples is to properly diagnose the cause of the STD and proffer good treatment.

You might feel embarrassed which is normal, but our Clinic staff are used to testing all kinds of infections and are sure to make you feel relaxed all through the process. You won’t get judged. We do our best to explain everything to you and make you comfortable.  

You can always come to us whether you’re male or female for sexual health service. We offer very good sexual health counselling, tips and treatment for sexual problems.

We advise that you don’t carry that problem about in self-pity when we can help you. Many STDs can be cured with antibiotics, some have no cure, but there are treatments available to help.

The first step is to get tested. Just reach us at STI Clinic London. It is our call to get you tested and treated.