BY MICHELLE SOBEL

First time getting tested? Or is it your first time in a long time? Either way, most of us equate getting an STD test with hassle, stress, and yes.. swabbing. But we’re here to tell you that getting a chlamydia, a gonorrhea test, or any STD test is much easier than it used to be.  With new amplification test technology, the days of painful swabbing are (thankfully) over.  Nucleic acid amplification tests are done on urine samples, yielding better sensitivity and specificity and fewer false negatives than the old invasive methods.  What does this mean?  It means that you pee in a cup and you’re done.

So, why aren’t more people getting tested?  The answer turns out to be plain embarrassment and false assumptions.  That’s the conclusion researchers at The University of Wisconsin have drawn based on a recent study of more than 300 women ages 18 to 24.  Despite their high education level, this group had some misconceptions and misplaced fears about chlamydia tests and other STD testing.  Here’s some of the findings:

• 60% of the women were anxious about getting tested.
• 30% thought that chlamydia and gonorrhea could be diagnosed only through a physical exam.
• 30% were worried that their STD test would show up on their medical record.
• 60% thought that their doctor wouldn’t test them if they said they used condoms.

Other women surveyed just assumed that they were being tested by their doctor without asking for a test or being informed that they were being tested for an STD.  But, no, STD testing doesn’t just happen.  Despite the CDC guideline recommendations that all sexually active women under 25 get tested for chlamydia once a year and women who are older get tested if they have new or multiple partners, doctors and clinic practices vary.  Unfortunately, infection rates are rising and going undiagnosed.  That’s why we’re here.

We’re here to help you get tested for chlamydia with easy urine-based amplification testing.  You can get tested today and get your results in 2 to 3 days.  And if you test positive, no worries.  You can speak to one of our doctors.  If necessary the physician can call in a prescription for an oral antibiotic.  Yes, it’s that easy.  Thanks for reading and for getting tested.  We wish you the best of health.

BY MICHELLE SOBEL

Greek mythology is full of sex.  Zeus was notorious for his love affairs, conquests, infidelities and nymph seductions.  Likewise, myths about herpes have been long-lived, undoubtedly spawned during ancient times.  We’re here to present the facts about herpes and unwind the myths.

Here are the facts.

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2 is a chronic infection that can cause genital sores.
• Evidence has shown that it can make those infected with genital herpes 2 to 3 times more likely to acquire HIV if exposed.
• 16% of the U.S. population has genital herpes, many of whom are unaware they’re infected.
• It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of the people who have genital herpes are undiagnosed and may be passing the virus to others unknowingly.
• The only way to know if you are infected with genital herpes is to get tested.

Here are the myths:

Myth #1 Once you have herpes, you’ll have itchy rashes forever.
Not true. You may have an outbreak of itchy sores, but it does go away. Some people get occasional outbreaks. And some people live with herpes without any signs, itching or symptoms at all.

Myth #2 You can catch herpes from toilet seats.
It’s highly unlikely. The microorganisms that cause genital herpes can’t survive outside the human body on a surface like a toilet seat for very long.

Myth #3 If your partner gets herpes, he or she must be cheating.
Don’t jump to conclusions on this one. Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse may have been infected for years and not have known it due to mild or no symptoms.

Myth #4 People with herpes can’t give blood.
According to the American Red Cross, people with genital or oral herpes may donate blood as long as they’re feeling healthy and don’t have any other restricted infections.

Myth #5 People get herpes from sleeping with too many people.
While having unprotected sex with multiple partners raises your risk for contracting an STD, it only takes one unsafe exposure to contract genital herpes.  Having herpes is so common.  It doesn’t say anything about a person’s promiscuity.

Myth #6 You can’t have sex again if you have herpes.
Of course you can have sex again if you have herpes.  There are ways to manage outbreaks and ways to protect from transmitting the virus.  It’s not a life sentence of celibacy.

Myth #7 My doctor routinely screens me for herpes.
No she doesn’t.  There are no current guidelines for routine herpes testing.  If you want a herpes test, you need to ask for one.

Myth #8 You can’t get herpes from oral sex.
Herpes is spread from skin to skin contact.  Even if your partner isn’t having an outbreak, it’s possible to transmit the virus.  Unless you’re using a condom or dental dam during oral sex, you’re not practicing safer sex.

Myth #9 It’s shameful to have herpes.
This is the myth we’d most like to bust.  Herpes is incredibly common.  Let’s stop stigmatizing this common virus.

Myth #10 When you have herpes, you know it.
80% of people living with herpes don’t know they have it.  Symptoms may not appear or can be very subtle.  The only way to know if you have herpes is to get tested.  If you’d like to know if your status, get tested.  We can help.

BY ADRIENNE DeLUNA

“So…my condom broke last weekend. I’d probably know if I had something by now, right?”
If only it were that easy.
“My partner said they tested negative for everything, so that means I should be good to go.”
Sorry. Not true.
“If he wasn’t experiencing any symptoms, I can’t get anything passed to me.”
Nope, that’s not right.
“I don’t have any of the symptoms I’ve researched online, so I should be clean, right?”
Sorry, again.

Welcome to the most common questions our counselors hear every day.  If you’re wondering the same things, you’re not alone.  The thing about STDs – and why they’re so common – is that people don’t think they need to get tested.  Your date looks “clean” and you know you don’t show any symptoms of an STD, so there’s no harm with a little unprotected sex, right?  No.  You have no idea if you or your date has an STD unless you’ve been tested.

We get asked these questions so often, we felt the need to pass this bit of information to you.

• There are 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. each year.
• The two most common STDs (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) show no symptoms for 50-75% of the people who are infected. This means you may be infected, and in turn, unknowingly pass the STD to your partner.
• And Herpes? It’s estimated that only about 20% of those who have herpes are even aware they have it.

It also only takes one time of having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex to get an STD. One time! It doesn’t matter if it was for a minute, or for an hour. (and no, oral is not safe –we’ll dive into that one another time.)

We know this isn’t an easy thing to do, so we make getting tested easy. There’s no undressing, swabbing, or answering any embarrassing questions. Get your results (and peace of mind) in 2-3 business days, and enjoy your sex life without the anxiety.

Still confused or have more questions? Give us a call, that’s what we’re here for. 888-215-9543.

• Want to get tested today?  Start here.
• More questions?  Check out the FAQ.

Gossip blogs lit up this week with talk about the reality show “Jersey Shore”, quoting the show’s creator about the STD status of the cast.  In a round-table discussion of reality show, Sally Ann Salsano was quoted to say, “We hand [Valtrex] out like M&Ms! ‘Hey kids, it’s time for Valtrex!’ It’s like a herpes nest. They’re all in there mixing it up.”  Herpes nest?  While it’s not difficult to imagine the fist-pumping, hard-partying cast with names like Snooki, The Situation, and J-WOWW behaving irresponsibly, we’re not thrilled with the stigma surrounding herpes that continues to get played out in the media.  Here are some facts:

• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections around the globe.
• The vast majority of people living with herpes don’t know it.
• Multiple studies have shown that Herpes 2 infection increases the risk for HIV infection by at least twofold
• It’s spread by skin-to-skin contact, so you don’t necessarily have to have intercourse to spread it or catch it
• There’s no cure but there are anti-viral medications available to manage it and live a happy, active life

The only way to know if you have genital herpes or any other STD is to get tested.  The continual negative messaging around sexual health and stigmatizing herpes doesn’t help.  After the show’s creator blasted about “herpes nests”, the cast felt the need to tell the press that they don’t have herpes.  Your sexual health is private.   Know your STD status.  Share this private information with your partners.  No need to alert the media.  That’s the Situation.

• Find out more about private herpes testing
• Top 10 STD Myths

Herpes is so misunderstood.  First, you can’t get herpes from bathtubs, toilet seats, towels, or MySpace.  Genital herpes (HSV-2) is spread from good, old-fashioned skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus.  Here’s the problem.  Millions of people have herpes and don’t know it.  One study showed that up to 60% of infected people don’t know it because they don’t have the typical sores.  With a visual exam, doctors can often mistake herpes for jock itch, vaginitis, razor burn, or ingrown hairs.  Herpes can play hide and seek and is a master of disguise, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure.

We love it when Alec tries to tell Amy that “oftentimes the virus went undetected in tests.”  Yeah, good one, but that’s not true.  Type-specific blood tests, like the FDA-approved Herpeselect, differentiates between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies and is one of the most sophisticated tests on the market.  Herpeselect is highly sensitive (91%-100%) and specific (93%-100%) for HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, even when there are no symptoms. If you test soon after an exposure and the results are negative, be sure to repeat the test 4 to 6 weeks later for confirmation of your results.

So, yes, Amy Poehler, you can have herpes and not know it.  But don’t believe Alec when he says that it can go undetected in tests.  With 60% of infected people unaware they have herpes, please do “get caught up in all the logic”.  Get tested and take control of your sexual health. Because?  Because…it’s important, that’s why.  There’s really no need to overthink it.

Flat out, yes. You can get an STD from giving or receiving oral sex.  It’s a relatively lower risk activity for some of the infections, but we don’t see the point in detailing the relative risk level for each STD.  Why take the chance at all?  If you think it’s a small risk, it’s still a risk, right?  Going without a condom or a dental dam while performing or receiving oral sex is unsafe sex.  Be especially careful performing oral sex without protection. Think about it.  If you have cuts or sores in your mouth, bacteria or a virus can spread.  This true even when symptoms aren’t present in your partner.  It’s also possible to get throat infections and even throat cancer from unprotected oral sex.  Yes, this is unpleasant to think about it, but it’s a fact.

Your best defense?  Use a condom or dental dam.  They may seem unsexy or less intimate, but in the end, wouldn’t you rather have the faint taste of plastic for a few minutes than deal with a lifetime of suspicious oral infections or worse? By the way, condoms come in flavors, just for this occasion. It turns out that, overall, when it comes to oral sex, it is “safer” to receive than to give.  So, give the gift of health and wrap it or dam it before you tap it.  (Yeah, that slogan’s still in the shop.  We’re working on it!)

Tell us what you think about safe oral sex.  Are you practicing safe oral sex?  Is anybody?  We want to hear from you!

• Create a Free Test Recommendation
• Get Tested Today
• Top 10 Myths about STDs

We applaud the writers and actors of “Entourage” for showcasing how important STD testing is and accurately depicting the emotional stress people can experience during the testing process. Unfortunately, the show failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to help people learn how fast, easy, and relatively stress-free STD testing can be. As a result, it perpetuated 2 ongoing STD myths.

Myth #1: Men need to get swabbed in order to get an accurate STD test. Not true! Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be detected using a urine sample with the NAAT DNA-based tests. No undressing, no painful swabbing in places you just don’t want to get swabbed. On Entourage, Eric ends of getting swabbed and complains of “feeling violated”. Why wasn’t this Drama’s plotline? Or Ari’s?

Myth #2: You need to visit a doctor in order to get your STD results. Also not true! We can help you get tested today and in 3 days, you can view your results privately and securely online. You don’t need to go the airport to pick up your tickets and you don’t need to go to your doctor to pick up your STD results.

We love this show, but concerns about swabbing and embarrassment prevent people from taking control of their sexual health and getting tested for STDs. We know what it’s like to worry about getting tested. That’s why you can get tested today and skip the swabs and the embarrassment.

• Chlamydia 101
• Gonorrhea 101
• Am I at Risk?
• Top 10 STD Myths
• Get Tested Today