I 26F is insanely confused after the recent appointment with a gynaecologist who gave me misleading information

I’m a bit confused and need help figuring out what tests I should actually get done after my gynecologist appointment.

I’ve been having vaginal symptoms for a while, which started after my last sexual encounter. At first it was pretty intense itching, and more recently I’ve had thick, white, curd-like discharge. There’s no strong or foul smell. I was worried it could be an infection and also wanted to rule out STIs.

I went to a gynecologist and paid around ₹1,360 for the consultation/tests. I was told it might be a mixed infection and was given vaginal tablets/pessaries, which I’ve been using.

Where I got confused is the testing part:

\\- I asked about a Pap smear and STI testing.
\\- The doctor first mentioned that vaginal swab and pap smear are same thing.
\\- I was told a Pap smear swab can detect things like yeast infection, bacterial infection, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.
\\- I was told a Pap smear does NOT detect STIs.
\\- I was also told chlamydia would need a blood test.
\\- But later I was told the Pap smear and vaginal swab are basically the same thing, which confused me a lot.
\\- I didn’t get a clear report saying exactly what was tested. I only have the result sheet I was given.
\\- I was told it could be a mixed infection after visual examination which doing pap smear, but I’m not sure what was actually checked for.

My last sexual encounter was protected, so I really want to properly rule out STIs instead of just assuming treatment for a vaginal infection covers everything.

My ex-partner told me he got 6 STI tests done and they were all negative, but I know that doesn’t automatically mean I’m clear too.

What I want to understand is:

1. What STI tests should I actually ask for?
2. Which infections are checked through a vaginal/cervical swab (like NAAT/PCR), and which need blood tests?
3. Is a Pap smear useful here at all, or is it mostly unrelated to STI testing?
4. If I already had a vaginal swab, how do I find out exactly what was tested?
5. Should I go to another gynecologist/sexual health doctor for a full STI panel, or can I just go directly to a diagnostic lab?

I just want to stop guessing and get the right tests done so I can be sure about what’s going on.

I’m in India, in case that changes what tests are usually available.