Why We Screen (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Sexually transmitted infections are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. The CDC reports that there are approximately 26 million new STI cases in the US every year. Nearly half occur in people aged 15 to 24.
Yet stigma keeps millions of people from getting tested. The embarrassment, the fear of judgment, the dread of a positive result. These emotional barriers are more dangerous than the infections themselves, because untreated STIs cause real, preventable harm: infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy complications, and increased HIV transmission risk.
At MomDoc, getting tested is treated as what it is: a routine, responsible act of self-care. We test for STIs with the same clinical efficiency and zero commentary that we use when checking your blood pressure.
What We Test For
MomDoc offers comprehensive screening for all major STIs:
Bacterial Infections (Curable with Antibiotics)
- Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis): The most commonly reported bacterial STI. Often asymptomatic. Tested via urine sample or vaginal swab.
- Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae): Can infect the cervix, throat, and rectum. Tested alongside chlamydia with the same sample.
- Syphilis (Treponema pallidum): Rising sharply in the US. Tested via blood draw. Easily curable in early stages.
- Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis): A parasitic infection that causes itching, burning, and discharge. Tested via vaginal swab.
Viral Infections (Manageable, Some Preventable by Vaccine)
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Tested via blood draw using fourth-generation antigen/antibody testing. Modern antiretroviral therapy makes HIV a manageable chronic condition when detected early.
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Tested via blood draw (type-specific IgG antibody test) or swab of an active lesion. Extremely common; managed with antiviral medication.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Screened via cervical HPV test during Pap screening. Preventable by vaccination.
- Hepatitis B and C: Tested via blood draw. Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable. Hepatitis C is now curable with direct-acting antivirals.
Who Should Be Tested (CDC Recommendations)
| Population | Recommended Screening |
| All sexually active women under 25 | Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea |
| Women 25+ with risk factors | Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea |
| All adults ages 13-64 | HIV at least once (more if risk factors) |
| All pregnant women | Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea at first prenatal visit |
| All adults born 1945-1965 | Hepatitis C at least once |
| Anyone with new or multiple partners | Full STI panel discussion with provider |
What Happens If a Test Is Positive
A positive result is not the end of the world. For most STIs, it is the beginning of straightforward, effective treatment:
- Your MomDoc provider calls you (never a text or portal message for sensitive results) to discuss findings.
- Treatment is initiated immediately: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for herpes, referral to infectious disease specialists for HIV or hepatitis if needed.
- Partner notification: We will discuss your options. You can tell your partner yourself, we can assist with anonymous notification through the health department, or we can provide Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Follow-up testing: A "test of cure" is recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis to confirm the infection has cleared.
Privacy and Confidentiality
- Your test results are protected by HIPAA. We do not share them with anyone without your written consent.
- Arizona law requires reporting of certain infections (syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia) to the county health department for public health surveillance. These reports include your name but are strictly confidential and are never shared with employers, family, or partners.
- If you are a minor, your STI testing and treatment records are confidential under Arizona law and are not disclosed to your parents without your consent.
Myth Busting: "I Would Know If I Had an STI"
This is one of the most dangerous assumptions in sexual health. The majority of chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and early HIV infections produce no symptoms at all in women. By the time symptoms appear (if they ever do), the infection may have already caused damage or been transmitted to a partner.
The only way to know your status is to get tested. Period.
Get Tested Today
Same-day STI testing is available at all MomDoc locations. Call 480-821-3601 or book a sexual health appointment online. Testing results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your MomDoc provider regarding your specific screening needs.
