Sexually Transmitted Disease
Alternate Names : STD, Venereal Disease, VD
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of sexually transmitted disease begins with a history and physical
exam. Further tests will be performed depending on the STD suspected.
A culture may be done to diagnose some STDs, including chlamydia and
gonorrhea. Culture is a method used to grow organisms in the lab,
which helps providers identify the particular infection. A specimen of tissue,
such as a sample of liquid discharge, is put in a special material to help the
organism grow. The organism can then be identified a few days later under a
microscope. Newer tests can diagnose certain STDs, such as chlamydia, within minutes. Previously,
test results were not available for a day or two.
With STDs such as trichomonas
or syphilis, the organism
can be seen in a sample of discharge with a microscope.
HIV, hepatitis B, and certain other STDs
require a blood test to make the diagnosis.
Pubic lice can be seen as tiny bugs in the pubic hair, usually with a
microscope or magnifying glass.
The appearance of lesions on the skin is enough to make a diagnosis and begin
treatment for genital
herpes, human papilloma