What To Know About A Female High-Risk Sexual Health Panel

There are many reasons why you may want to, or need to, receive a sexual health panel; however, the best time and reason to receive one is if you have had recent sex–regardless if it is unprotected or not. STDs, although referred to as sexually-transmitted, are not always transmitted through sexual contact. In many cases, there are STDs that are passed through other means of contact, outside of vaginal, oral, or anal sex, such as through intimate physical contact, or through bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or blood.

You are considered part of a group that is likely at higher risk of contracting an STD or STI if you have:

• Sexual activity with men or a transgender
• Used drugs during sex
• Performed commercial sex work (pay or are paid for sex)
• Been born in, or lived/are living in, countries with a higher prevalence of STDs (or had sex with someone from a country with a higher prevalence of STDs)
• Shared needles
• Performed oral or anal sex
• Had sexual activity with an individual or partner that has an STD, or was related to the above-mentioned groups.

Additionally, you should receive a sexual health panel if you are showing any symptoms of STDs. The most common signs and symptoms of STDs for women are:

• Green or yellow vaginal discharge
• Vaginal burning or itching
• Strong vaginal odor
• Pelvic pain
• Unnatural vaginal bleeding (unrelated to periods, ovulation bleeding, spotting, or implantation bleeding)
• Strong pain during sex
• Sores, bumps, or blisters in or around the mouth, anus, or vagina (signs of Herpes)
• Burning pain when having bowel movements or urinating
• Sore throat (after oral sex)
• Rashes on or around your vagina