Scared of Herpes Testing

Q: My boyfriend found out that he has herpes. I’m in a panic – I know I need to be tested, but I’m afraid of the results. I have heard horrific things about herpes. What can you tell me about herpes testing?

S. Gardner

Miami, FL

A: Since your boyfriend has been diagnosed with herpes, having yourself tested is imperative. While herpes is not detrimental to your physical health in any way, it is important to know your status as a sexually responsible adult. Knowing your status helps to protect yourself and any future partners you may have.

Please do not panic about herpes. While there is no cure for herpes, you can successfully treat the symptoms and reduce the number of outbreaks you experience. While many people experience blisters or ulcers with herpes outbreaks, you may not experience anything. It is not uncommon for people to carry the herpes virus, but rarely show any signs or symptoms. However, just because you haven’t exhibited symptoms does not mean you should not be tested or that you cannot transmit the STD. The best thing you can do is seek testing as soon as possible and, if necessary, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Do I Need a Chlamydia Test after One Sexual Encounter?

Q: If I have only had sex once and used protection, is it possible that I might have chlamydia? I’ve been having some abnormal discharge and a Google search led me to suspect this STD. Can you tell me more about chlamydia and if I need a chlamydia test?

S. Franklin

Cleveland, OH

A: Using protection definitely reduces the risk of contracting chlamydia or other STDs; however, protection can fail in some cases and you could still have an STD. So, yes, you should be screened for chlamydia, as well as other STDs, for your own protection as well as your partner’s. As far as the symptoms of chlamydia, it often exhibits few or no symptoms. There is always the chance that your abnormal discharge could be the result of something else. However, there are some other symptoms you can look for in addition to the discharge:

Burning during urination
Lower back and abdominal pain
Pain during intercourse
Rectal pain, bleeding and discharge

The best option for you is to seek testing to eliminate the possibility of an STD. Then, if your results are negative, you can seek treatment from your doctor for the symptoms you have.

An HIV DNA PCR Panel is a Good Choice for Testing

Q: I just found out that a recent partner was diagnosed with HIV. I’m very scared right now. I know that I need to be tested; I’m just not sure what type of testing is the best for my situation. I also want to make sure my privacy is protected – I simply cannot go to my doctor for this test. Can About My Health help me?

J. Richland

Tampa, FL

A: When a former partner reveals an HIV positive status, it can be frightening. The important thing to remember is to stay calm. You are right – you do need to be tested and About My Health can help.

We offer an HIV DNA PCR panel test that is sufficient for your needs. This particular form of testing is designed for early detection, and it will also provide accurate results past exposures. You need accuracy at a time like this. In addition to the testing, we offer private, anonymous testing. You need not worry about invasive procedures or paperwork. We work hard to protect your privacy and ensure that you receive results in a timely manner.

Main Benefits of HIV PCR Panel

Q: I am concerned with recent exposure to HIV. I heard a rumor that my ex just found out he has HIV and we only broke up a few weeks ago. I’ve been reading about the HIV PCR panel you offer. Could you tell me more about it?

W. Stanley

Corpus Christi, TX

A: With a possible recent exposure, you are right to consider the HIV DNA PCR panel. One of the key benefits of this type of testing is detecting early exposure. Traditional HIV tests often do not yield the most accurate results until at least three months past exposure. With a PCR panel, you can get accurate results before three months.

The test is performed using a blood sample. There are no invasive or embarrassing procedures involved. You can expect results in 3-7 business days – and your privacy is always protected.

Is Testing Quality Good and Will My Privacy be Protected?

Q: I am concerned with a possible recent exposure to HIV. I don’t want to go to my regular doctor for testing. If I choose to get tested with About My Health, can you tell me about your testing method, as far as the quality of the testing, as well as protecting my privacy?

O. Pallin

Phoenix, AZ

A: If you have been recently exposed to HIV, you do need to be tested. A lot of people don’t want to go to their primary physician for STD and HIV testing, especially if they have known them for a long time. Here at About My Health, our testing process is designed to protect your privacy. There are no questionnaires or physical exams – all of our testing is performed using a blood and/or urine sample.

If you have had a recent exposure, the HIV DNA PCR panel may be the best option for you. This is a highly advanced method of testing – one that we fully support. The test can provide conclusive results as early as 28 days after exposure. It is ideal for individuals who do not want to wait 12 weeks for a conclusive antibody test result. Our testing procedures are always performed to the highest standards. In other words, you are not getting a generic test with questionable results. Contact us today to arrange for testing as soon as possible so you can put your mind at ease.

My Son’s First Pre-Employment Drug Test

Q: My son applied for his first job and he was hired. However, he has to submit to a pre-employment drug test first. I’ve never had to take a drug test for a job before – I work for myself as a contractor. Please tell us what we can expect from this testing.

S. Gillihar
Seattle, WA

A: Congratulations to your son for landing his first job! Drug testing is actually a common practice before a person is officially hired. It allows employers to make sure that they are hiring people who are going to be clean on the job. When an employee uses drugs on the job, it can put everyone at risk.

The drug screening process your son can expect is simple. More than likely, all he will need to do is submit a urine sample. If the employer uses hair follicle testing, your son will have to submit a hair sample – usually about 100 individual hairs. There is nothing for you or your son to worry about, as the procedures are done quickly and without any invasiveness. The results will be back in a matter of days and, provided that your son tests negative, he will be working before you know it.

Urine Drug Tests and Hair Follicle Drug Tests

Q: My insurance company has advised me to have my employees screened for drugs. They said that it will help lower my insurance rates and I can always use the money saved. I am thinking about using your company for the testing. Please tell me more about the types of drug testing you offer.

W. Johns

Salina, KS

A: About My Health takes great pride in providing quality drug tests with accurate results in a timely manner. Should you choose to use us for your testing needs, we offer two types of testing:

Urine drug tests – this type of testing is the most common. It utilizes a urine sample to screen for drugs. You can screen for as many as ten different drugs.
Hair follicle tests – this type of testing utilizes hair samples to screen for drugs. It provides a larger detection window than urine tests – as long as 90 days.

No matter which testing you choose, you can trust our results. We deliver accurate results with a fast turnaround time – usually less than a week. We also offer volume-based pricing for companies to help you save money over time. Account set up and management are also free of charge.

Our Drug Screening Process

Q: I suspect that my daughter may be abusing drugs. Her attitude and demeanor have recently changed. She no longer cares about the things she used to love, like sports and school. I want to have her tested for drugs, but I don’t know where to start. Please tell me more about your drug screening process.

L. Kinkaid

Los Angeles, CA

A: If your daughter’s behavior has changed for no apparent reason, it is not unusual to consider drug screening. A drug screen will tell you if she has been using drugs, and if the test is positive you can address the problem as soon as possible. Our drug screening process is quite simple. All you need to do is contact us to schedule a date for the screening. You will be directed to one of our secure, private testing facilities where the collection will take place. The collection will take a matter of minutes and there is no invasive paperwork or procedures. We work hard to keep the process anonymous and protect your privacy. The time for results can vary, but you can usually expect results in about a week.

What Are Some of the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Q: I recently had sex for the first time. I didn’t use any protection and now I’m worried that I might have contracted gonorrhea. Can you tell me what the gonorrhea symptoms are and how I can be tested without anyone finding out?

B. Salvo

Dallas, TX

A: There are various gonorrhea symptoms, including:

Abnormal discharge
Pain and burning during urination
Swollen testicles
Rectal discharge, swelling and pain
In-between period vaginal bleeding

However, it is important to note that many times, gonorrhea does not exhibit any symptoms. You could have this STD and not realize it. Fortunately, testing for this STD is easy. All you have to do is contact us to schedule a test. You will visit one of our discreet testing sites and you will be anonymously screened for the STD. You don’t have to worry about anyone you know seeing you or realizing what you are doing. We will never reveal your private information to anyone. Please contact us today and arrange for testing as soon as possible.

Does Chlamydia Have Any Symptoms?

Q: I’m a 24 year-old female and sexually active. For the past few weeks, I’ve noticed some strange discharge. Could this be a sign of an STD, such as Chlamydia? The reason I ask is that I thought Chlamydia did not have any symptoms, but my sister says it does.

S. Green

Salt Lake City, UT

A: You have asked a very good question. Chlamydia does have symptoms, however they do not always show in people. Women particularly do not show symptoms for Chlamydia up to 75% of the time. Regardless of whether symptoms are present or not, if left untreated Chlamydia can have some serious effects, including pain, fever and sterility. If symptoms do occur, the most common ones include:

Abnormal discharge from the vagina or the penis
Abdominal pain
Pain, abnormal bleeding, and/or discharge
Burning or itching while urinating
Pain while having intercourse

Since you are sexually active and experiencing discharge, you need to seek testing as soon as possible. In most cases Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics and you will suffer no long term effects.

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