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In most cases, physicians would commonly administer treatment to the mother before labor to somehow ensure that she will not transmit the condition to the baby or provide prophylactic treatment on the baby itself following delivery to avoid the survival of the pathogenic microorganisms in the body of the infant.

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.

Essentially, yes. Considering how most STDs are, in fact, asymptomatic for the majority of their life cycle, a particular STD can remain asymptomatic for extended periods – making it harder to diagnose the condition, let alone think about getting tested for that specific condition. Please do note, however, that most STDs are not necessarily self-limiting, meaning that while they are not symptomatic in any way, it does not imply that the pathogen is not proliferating and causing any damages to the structure of the genitalia. Annual routine testing is still recommended to rule out even asymptomatic STD cases.

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.