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In some cases, yes. For such instances, physicians would commonly recommend that the partners of recently diagnosed patients be tested to determine whether the same condition has likewise infected them that their partner has. Following that, they would then be given the same treatment regimen or one appropriate for the severity of the condition they have.

A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.

It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.

Although it can be argued that using protection will not necessarily do anything if the person wearing them is not infected, it can still be answered by the fact that penetrative intercourse is a transmission environment for both individuals participating – making you just as susceptible as your partner. Despite knowing that you are indeed safe and clean, performing unprotected sex with an unfamiliar partner or one who does not know their sexual health status is a risk in itself.