Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be diagnosed before symptoms develop during routine medical checkups or when the patient requests testing. When symptoms are present, the physician or healthcare provider may perform a number of tests to determine the exact type of STD. Urine tests may also be used to screen for some STDs.

To diagnose an STD, the physician will take the patient’s medical history, including detailed information about their sexual history. The physician will then perform a complete physical examination, including, for women, a pelvic examination. During the exam, the physician will carefully inspect the genital area, oral cavity and rectum. If sores or discharge are present, the physician may use a swab to collect samples for examination. The samples will then be tested for the presence of various microorganisms.

During a woman’s pelvic exam, swabs of the vagina may be taken. A Pap smear, or a swab of the cervix, may also be taken. The samples will then be checked for infections. Urine tests and blood tests may be ordered to detect or rule out certain diseases, including HIV/AIDS and syphilis.