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Contrary to how many people believe that STDs only affect the genitalia and the area around it, STDs infect multiple organs of the body, depending on how severe and extensive the condition already is. For instance, it mainly infects mucosal parts of the body – leading to infections that may be as extensive as those that affect the mouth, eyes, and deeper structures of the reproductive and urinary tract. In such cases where the condition has already invaded multiple organs, complications commonly arise – leading to more severe damages that are often irreversible.

Depending on the test being performed and the testing physician's targeted diseases, various types of samples can be requested from you. In some instances, a minuscule blood sample of a few milliliters will be collected, some might ask for a urine sample, and others may opt for a genital swab. Again, the sample being collected will depend on the test being conducted and the outcome that is being targeted for this particular procedure.

Bacterial vaginosis is more of an odd distinction from the rest of the STDs due to how its causative organism is not necessarily restricted to one particular pathogen. Bacterial vaginosis is often precipitated due to the abnormal increase in the bacterial population of the vagina – leading to an imbalance between the “good” flora and the harmful bacteria.

STDs observed concurrently with pregnancy may result in various complications with the patient’s pregnancy and the patient’s health following delivery. From those that are evident right after birth to some that only manifest after years of development, these complications are preferably avoided using prophylactic medications when the pregnant woman tested positive for an STD.