Would a throat culture show if you had an STD?

Answer 1

No, a standard throat culture, done with typical medium as for strep throat, will not be able to show an STD. The typical STDs that may affect the throat -- gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes -- will not grow on this medium. In fact, gonorrhea and chlamydia are so difficult to culture and transport to the lab that cultures are rarely done anymore in typical health centers. It's easier to use more modern DNA testing.

If you believe you need screening for STDs in the throat, you must ask for the test specifically, so that your health care provider can choose the right medium.