Dermatologist or Urologist

My question is when men need to be tested for an STD which is the best practioner to see a dermatologist,urologist or is there an STD specialist?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The level of expertise and interest in STDs is highly variable among various medical specialties.  If there is a public health STD clinic in your area, that often is the best bet--but some are overcrowded and underfunded; you can call your local or state health department to learn about options in your area.

Among private health care providers and HMOs, most family medicine doctors or internists probably are the best bet for first consultation about suspected STD.  Many but not all obstetrician-gynecologists are pretty good about STDs in women, but most don't typically see male patients.  Many dermatologists indeed are very good, but there are exceptions; in past decades dermatology and STD were closely linked as specialties, but not so much any more.  Urologists in general are not the best bet.

And of course there are many exceptions to all the above generalizations!  Word of mouth from a friend (or sex partner) who has had a good experience often can be a good guide.

Good luck--   HHH, MD