If you’ve had a health issue ranging from arthritis to asthma to an allergic reaction, your doctor may have recommend prednisone for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Prednisone is a great go-to for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases, both for short-term use as well as to avoid long-term side effects. But in spite of prednisone’s potency, one thing you don’t have to worry about it messing with is the accuracy of an STI blood test.
With this in mind, let’s get myth busting about prednisone and STI tests and chat about some need-to-knows before you get tested.
Does prednisone affect STI blood tests?
Prednisone works by suppressing your immune system, which can be hugely helpful in reducing inflammation and managing a slew of health conditions. You can think of it like a chill pill for your whole body – it calms down an overactive immune system and, as a result, can ease a ton of different symptoms.
You might be wondering if this immunosuppressive effect can impact your STI test results. It’s important to note that STI tests are designed to search out and pinpoint specific antibodies or infections. They don’t just measure a general immune response. So, while prednisone takes your immune system down a notch, your STI results will still accurately detect any infections, as long as they’re performed correctly.
Possible Exceptions
Of course, nothing in life is ever 100% guaranteed. When it comes to prednisone and STI testing, there are very, very rare cases in which high doses or long term use of prednisone delay antibody production. If this is the case, you might receive a false negative.
So, it's super important to inform your doctor or clinician of any medications you’re taking before you get an STI test. This way, you can ensure they have a full picture when interpreting your results. Your doctor can also help explain any impacts those medications may have on your results and advise on the best time for screening.
Remember, being upfront about your medical regimen is nothing to be worried about. It simply gives your doctor a roadmap to giving you the most precise results possible.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Prednisone is an effective, formidable drug, so it’s been known to come with a couple of notable side effects, including:
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Sleep problems, like insomnia
- Increased appetite that can lead to gradual weight gain
- Acne
- Dry, thinning, or bruising skin
- Slow wound healing
- Headache, dizziness, or sensations like you’re spinning
- Tummy troubles, such as nausea or bloating
These side effects are temporary and for the most part, totally manageable. If you’re taking prednisone and are experiencing the following, don’t fear the worst.
False Positives & False Negatives on STI Blood Tests
So can STI tests be wrong? Yes. False positives and negatives can actually happen with any medical test, and these are no exception. The accuracy of any given STI test is measured based on two factors: sensitivity, or the ability to pick up positives, and specificity, or the ability to eliminate negatives. Some tests have lower sensitivity or specificity, and therefore yield more false outcomes.
If your results aren’t sitting right to you – such as, if your test is negative but your symptoms are recurrent – retesting is always an option. Talk to your healthcare provider about why your test might have yielded a certain result that doesn't align with your experiences in your body. They can help you understand if your results might have been impacted by something in your system, like (in rare cases) prednisone.
General Advice for STI Testing
When you’re sexually active, getting tested regularly for STIs is a crucial part of maintaining your health and wellness. So don’t skip that appointment!
It’s also important to keep in mind that being honest with your doctor about your medical history and/or any treatments you’re on allows them to give you the best care. Don’t let a fear of opening up to your doctor or of getting tested hold you back from making moves for your health.
Knowledge is power, and regular testing keeps you and your partners safe and informed, particularly in the case of a reportable STI.
The Bottom Line
Prednisone is a fantastic medication if you’re managing inflammation, an autoimmune condition, or an allergic reaction, and the good news is that it’s unlikely to mess with your routine testing – STI tests included. So if your next screening is on the horizon and you’re on a course of prednisone, don’t sweat it!
Instead, focus on making your appointments, staying honest with your doctor, and equipping yourself with the facts you need to take care of your sexual health. Remember that being your healthiest self is sexy – so go own it!
