Does Afc Urgent Care Offer Std Testing
AFC Urgent Care of South Charlotte, NC offers testing for sexually transmitted diseases , as well as treatment.
Although some people are hesitant to discuss their sexual health, STD testing is a very important part of any sexually active persons medical care, said Dr. Todd Rudolph, Medical Director at AFC Urgent Care & Family Care. At AFC Urgent Care, privacy and respect are the cornerstones of our care. Together, we can determine what types of tests are appropriate for you.
If you would like to learn more about STD testing, or would like to be tested, please visit AFC Urgent Care of South Charlotte, NC or call us today at 247-6578.
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How Do I Get Tested For Stds
You must ask your health care provider to give you an STD test. Some people assume they will be tested for STDs when they have an exam for another reason, such as when a woman has a Pap test or when a man has a physical. This is not true you will not automatically be tested for STDs. If you are seeing your health care provider for another reason and are not sure if you need an STD test, just ask. Your provider can help you decide if you need any tests, and which one you may need.
There is no single test for every sexually transmitted disease tests are specific to each infection. And some infections can be found using different kinds of tests. You and your health care provider will decide what STD tests make the most sense for you. In most cases, your provider will first ask you questions about
Your sexual practices such as how many partners you have, whether you use condoms or other barrier methods, and what body parts are used during sex play
Sexually Transmitted Infections Vs Diseases
The difference between STDs and STIs has become confusing for many people. The term STD is normally used to identify a collection of medical infections that are spread via sexual contact.
However, some people who are infected dont necessarily experience symptoms , making STDs more of a dated term.
STI is a term thats become more commonly used to clarify that not all infections become diseases. For example, in many instances HPV will clear up within two years of contraction, never developing in cervical cancer.
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When Should I Get Tested For Std
Many factors will determine how often you should get tested for STDs. For the most part, these are tied to your sexual activity and any factors that cause an increased risk of contracting an STD. It is recommended that you get tested on an annual basis if any of the following are true:
- You are under 25 years of age and sexually active.
- You are older than 25 and are at a higher risk due to multiple or new partners.
- You have been positively diagnosed with HIV.
- You have tested positive for any other STI.
- You have been forced to engage in any sexual activity that you did not provide consent for.
- You used intravenous drugs.
- You are currently pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
Sti Testing: What You Need To Know
If youre sexually active, youve probably heard this many times before- you should be using protection and getting regularly tested for STIs. But what exactly is an STI? And more importantly, why get tested for it?
STIs are sexually transmitted diseases, more commonly referred to as sexually transmitted infections youre able to contract the infection without showing any symptoms. There are several kinds of STIs, each with different characteristics and potential symptoms, but theyve all got one thing in commonengaging in unprotected sexual relations transmits them.
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You Got A Positive Herpes Test Now What
If you receive a positive herpes test, start by educating yourself about the herpes virus. There are many pervasive herpes myths that you shouldnt believe. The truth is that herpes is treatable and outbreaks can even be minimized or prevented with the right treatment measures.
Genital herpes and cold sores can both be addressed with a variety of household remedies, over-the-counter options, and prescription medications.
Acyclovir, for example, is an antiviral medication that treats infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, including genital herpes. Its best to start taking acyclovir as soon as you notice the first signs of an emerging outbreak. This medication stops the herpes virus from growing and spreading during an outbreak, although it cannot remove the virus from your body completely. Most people experience relief within just a few days of taking acyclovir.
If youre looking for a natural therapy to control herpes outbreaks, the Luminance RED is another option. The Luminance RED handheld devices shine red wavelengths of light over the skin of affected areas. The company has one device designed for oral herpes and one for genital herpes.
Medically-optimized red light is metabolized to accelerate the bodys healing process and strengthen its defenses against future attacks. Studies show that regular use of high-powered light treatment not only shortens the healing time of active outbreaks but can also prevent future outbreaks altogether.
Treatment For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Patients who have a bacterial STD such as gonorrhea or chlamydia will receive a prescription for antibiotics. It is critical to follow the instructions so the antibiotics kill the infection. Patients should undergo a second round of testing three months after finishing the antibiotics to ensure the infection did not reappear. If it reoccurs, patients must undergo a second round of treatment.
Genital herpes is a viral STD and cannot be cured. However, antiviral drugs limit the number of outbreaks and also reduce the symptoms. These drugs also make infected patients less likely to pass the disease to sexual partners. Antiviral drugs do not completely eliminate the risk, though, so safe sex is necessary.
HIV is also a virus, but instead of antiviral drugs, the doctor will likely treat it with antiretroviral therapy. The patient will take a series of HIV medications. The medications reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Antiretroviral therapy also reduces the risk of transmitting the disease to others, although it is still possible.
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Early Symptoms Of Hiv & Std
If you have any of the following symptoms, walk in to any of our locations throughout Long Island, upstate New York or NYC for STD testing and treatment.
Symptoms of STDs in Women
In women, symptoms of common STDs may include pain or burning during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge, bloody vaginal discharge, pain in the abdomen, spotting, itching, blisters, fever, swollen glands, open sores, and warts. Some STDs, like chlamydia, and gonorrhea cause no symptoms. If your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STD, testing yourself is vital to prevent complications such as infertility and certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of STDs in Men
Men with STDs may experience discharge from the urethra, pain during urination, inflammation of the testicles or prostate, fever, or sores. Untreated STDs put you at risk for organ failure, infertility, and even brain damage. If you have an STD, your sexual partners are at risk of transmission, so the only way to protect them is to refrain from sexual activity until diagnosis and treatment are completed.
Local Std Testing Treatment & Vaccines
STD testing for herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, syphilis and others in Easley, Powdersville, Boiling Springs, Greenwood and Duncan South Carolina. When you are searching for STD testing near me, look no further than AFC Urgent Care and Walk-in Clinics. Specifically, we offer STD/STI testing service, diagnosis, treatment and vaccinations at an affordable cost. Above all, our doctors and medical practitioners are sensitive to your needs and concerns. In fact, we offer counseling and confidential testing, results and treatment for STDs and STIs in a judgment free environment.
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So Why Is This Test Not Included Doesnt The Medical Community Care About Preventing Transmission
Although it may not feel this way, the doctors and researchers who established these guidelines have been quite thoughtful about them. If you read the documents, you can see that the researchers sensitively consider their decision from many different angles. In fact, you can learn a ton about the research on genital herpes and transmission where they discuss the reasoning for their decision.
The biggest contributing factor to the guidelines is that 1) standard herpes blood tests are not totally reliable and 2) receiving a herpes diagnosis can have a significant impact on mental health while being virtually non-threatening to your physical health.
Get Checked For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Early detection and treatment are critical for protecting yourself and your sexual partners. Visit an urgent care office to get evaluated. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and collect samples. If you have an STD, your doctor can treat you. Do not wait until your symptoms are severe. Get tested today.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Stds
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections can have a number of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms at all. Because of this, many people remain unaware they have an STI until they start to experience complications.
Typically, symptoms will begin to occur within a few days of exposure however, in some instances it may take years before there are any signs.
- Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
Can Urgent Care Really Help Me With An Std Test
The short answer is, yes! Many people who are looking for routine or precautionary STD tests visit urgent care facilities instead of a private practice or their primary care physician. Urgent care facilities are a great option if you are concerned that you may have contracted an STD and need to see a physician.
If you are sexually active, it is best practice for you and your partner to receive regular STD tests, even if youre both taking precautionary steps to avoid receiving and transferring STDs. Many STDs spread through body fluids, such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. While condoms are 98% effective in preventing transferring STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea that are spread through body fluids, they do not protect against STDs that spread from skin-to-skin contact, like genital warts, herpes, and syphilis. Some STDs hide in plain sight and do not show symptoms, so you may not know you have one. The best thing for you and your partner to do is to get tested once every three to twelve months, depending on your level of sexual activity to ensure that you are STD free.
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What Increases My Risk Of An Std
Anyone who is sexually active has some risk of contracting an STD. However, there are some things that can make it more likely. If any of these apply to you, its a good idea to get tested every 3 to 6 months, or before you have a new sexual partner.
- You have multiple sexual partners
- You currently have or have had unprotected sex
- You have not received an HPV or Hepatitis A or B vaccine
- You have a weak immune system
Most Common Symptoms Of The Std Is No Symptoms At All
Chlamydia infection is commonly found during routine GYN testing because patient can have absolutely no symptoms. Yet left untreated, chlamydia can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and fertility problems later on. The test for chlamydia can be done on urine, hence is very convenient. Testing the urine is very close to the accuracy of testing the cervical / vaginal sample. All Partners of chlamydia positive person have to be tested / treated as well.
STD Medications
Most common STDs are treated with just single dose of antibiotics
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Stages Of Syphilis In Adults
Local Planned Parenthood Health Center
Planned Parenthood health centers also offer STI testing. They receive government reimbursements and grants from public programs, such as Medicaid and Title X, which means people can get STI testing and treatment for free or at a very low cost, depending on their income, demographics, and eligibility.
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Does My Healthcare Provider Include A Blood Test For Genital Herpes When They Test Me For Everything
Herpes blood tests may or may not be part of the tests your healthcare provider gives you. They may choose tests based on several factors .
They will also evaluate you for signs or symptoms of herpes to choose which tests to use. This is why its important to talk openly and honestly with your provider during your visit. Ask them which infections they are and are not testing you for and why.
Additional Resources
How We Chose The Best At
When researching at-home herpes tests, we considered online reviews, privacy protocols, result times, result accuracy, and budget.
We prioritized affordable pricing and accessibility to digital results. Additionally, we kept an eye on user ratings and reviews to ensure that most people received accurate results and were happy with their experience.
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What Happens During Standard Std Testing
There is a common misconception that a doctor checks for STDs during a regular checkup. This is far from the truth. In most cases, your doctor does not perform STD testing unless you specifically ask for it.
Since there is no way to test for every STD, medical professionals usually test for the most common types of disease, which include gonorrhea, HIV and chlamydia. The STD testing covers anywhere from six to 14 STDs, depending on where you get the test taken.
Even though physicians test for the most common STDs, they do not test for herpes and HPV unless you exhibit symptoms of the diseases.
Will I Have To Pay For The Test Out Of Pocket
Youll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.
Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.
Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.
However, most at-home testing sites arent currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means youll have to reach out yourself.
If you dont have insurance, youll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD dont accept insurance, so its a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.
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What Kind Of Insurance Is Accepted At Urgent Care Facilities
Wondering how much youll have to pay out of pocket for a quick trip to a walk in care facility for an STD test? While out-of-pocket expenses differ depending on your insurance plan, you can typically expect to pay much less than you would if you went to a private practice or if you visited your primary care doctor. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurances cover STD testing for free or a reduced price.
The best thing for you to do is connect with your insurance provider to see what urgent care centers and services are covered under your plan. If you have Medicaid, CityLife Health takes your insurance.
Paying for you and your familys medical care should never be a burden. At CityLife Health we accept all Medicaid plans, to help make your visit affordable and stress-free. If you have questions about paying for your healthcare services, give us a call! Were happy to help you navigate your options and find a financial solution that works for you. We accept credit cards for self pay to help accommodate everyone needing quality healthcare in and around the Greater Philadelphia area.
If you have any questions regarding STDs, urgent care services, insurance coverageor if you just want to learn more about the different Medicaid plans we acceptbe sure to contact us or visit one of our three locations. Were here to answer any questions you may have and help you become the healthiest version of yourself.
What Stds Do You Test For
AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can test for the following STDs:
These can be tested through blood or urine. The CDC offers information on the best types of tests to get and how frequently, depending on your age, gender, or sexual orientation. Read more about that here. Conditions such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can be treated with an antibiotic and it will resolve itself soon after. Others that are not curable may be given suppressant treatments to try and control the symptoms.
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