How To Get Tested For Stds
You dont have to wait until youve had STD symptoms to get an STD check. If youve ever had sex with someone, STD testing is a good idea. Some STD tests check for a single STD, such as an HIV test. Other tests check for a variety of STIs.
There is no single test that can screen for all STDs. However, many STD tests often include:
- Urine samples are often used to test for chlamydia & gonorrhea.
- You may be examined for signs of infection, like sores or discharge.
- Blood samples are often used to test for HIV, herpes & syphilis
STI testing is not regularly included in visits to your primary care physician or your gynecologist. FastMed offers convenient and affordable testing without an appointment.
Can You Prevent Stds
The only way to guarantee you will not develop an STD is by abstaining from sex. However, if you plan to be sexually active, there are other things you should plan to do to help prevent the spread of infection, including:
- Staying with one uninfected partner instead of multiple partners
- Getting tested before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner
- Insisting a new partner gets tested before becoming sexually active
- Using condoms no matter what
When you need to get an STD test, consider visiting your local CareNow® clinic. We have over 175 locations throughout the country and are open after hours and on the weekends so you can get the answers you need quickly and without hassle.
By choosing CareNow®, you can rest assured youre getting the best care as weve earned the distinction of Accredited Urgent Care Center from our industrys association, Urgent Care Association .
Dont forget to take advantage of our Web Check-In® feature so you can wait from anywhere!
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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How Long Does An Std Screening Take
by Social Joey | Sep 1, 2018 | Urgent Care Clinic, Walk In Clinic
Did you know that more than 25 percent of people living in the United States have an incurable sexually transmitted disease ?
If youre sexually active, its important to undergo regular STD screenings, and our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson can help. After all, its better to know than not to know.
Whats The Difference Between An Std And An Sti
One of the most common questions people have about sexually transmitted diseases is the difference between STDs and STIs. Despite what many believe, the two are actually not the same thing.
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease, while an STI is a sexually transmitted infection. If an STI causes symptoms, its considered a disease. However, STI is usually the more accurate terminology to use.
You can think about it like this: an infection occurs before disease. In many cases, the infection wont ever turn into a disease or cause any symptoms.
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Std Testing And Treatment
People are often embarrassed about getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. They do not want to ask a primary care doctor to test for diseases, so many choose to go to urgent care. Urgent care offices are discrete, making it easier to get the testing and treatment. Also, people do not need to make an appointment at an urgent care office.
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
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How Is Genital Herpes Spread
If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:
- Saliva or genital secretions
- Skin in the oral area if your partner has an oral herpes infection, or skin in the genital area if your partner has a genital herpes infection.
You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes.
You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Just Like Other Diagnostic Tests Our Providers Will Review Your History Current Symptoms And Perform And Examination Before Ordering A Test
Does urgent care do covid testing. Our center offers evening and weekend hours to accommodate your schedule. Furthermore, we also test for flu a/b and strep, illnesses that produce similar symptoms, so even if you donât have covid, we can get you the proper treatment. Youâll receive your rapid results during your.
Names of this type of testing. Schedule an appointment at banner urgent care. Now you can get a covid test shipped to your home.
An appointment is not required, however, an order from your physician may expedite the screening process. The process of getting a covid test. What will be recommended by the urgent care?
For covid testing, if youâd like to schedule an appointment, please click here. Regular urgent care services do not need appointments. Your provider can provide guidance on what testing location is best suited for you.
Find a testing location near you. Be tested three to five days after the known exposure. If you are experiencing severe symptoms and need immediate assistance, go to the nearest emergency department.
Fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common, as is a new loss of taste and smell. The test is available to asymptomatic people wishing to confirm they are negative for both viruses before traveling or. If you need to be seen for your symptoms, please visit your primary care provider or urgent care.
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Should I Get Tested For Stds
Many people have sexually transmitted infections and never know it. If youve had sex play with another person and did not use a condom, female condom, dental dam, or other prophylactic, its a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about STD testing. Getting tested can put your mind at ease or get you needed treatment. Its also important to learn about ways you and your partner can protect yourselves in the future through safer sex.
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Sti Vs Std: What Is The Difference
So why the confusion between sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections? Well, the name change from STDs to STIs came about to address a common stigma or stereotype that developed over time, according to the Power to Decide.
For many years, all STDs were lumped together under the category of disease. The American Sexual Health Association mentions that the term infection rather than disease is more accurate because while diseases typically have identifiable symptoms, infections may not . Using the name STD also assumes that all sexually transmitted viruses are diseases but, in actuality, not all STDs turn into what is considered a disease. So in some cases STI is a more appropriate term.
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Tips To Soothe The Pain
- Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen .
- Place lukewarm or cool cloths on the sore place.
- Take lukewarm baths.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the best treatment for me?
- Are there any side effects to my treatment?
- Is it safe to have unprotected sex if I dont have any sores?
- Can I give myself genital herpes if I also have oral herpes?
- Can I give someone else herpes even if Im not having an outbreak?
- What is the best way to prevent herpes outbreaks?
- Can I live a normal life with herpes?
- Am I at risk of developing any other diseases?
- Are there any support groups in my area?
- If I give my baby herpes, what is the treatment?
What Are Treatments For Stds
If you think you might have an STD, get tested right away. If left untreated, STDs can have serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences. Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeast and parasites. STDs caused by viruses do not have a cure, but symptoms can often be controlled with medicine.
HPV and hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccines. You can also lower your risk by reducing your number of sexual partners, abstaining or practicing mutual monogamy.
Seek medical attention if you think you may have an STD, even if you arent showing any symptoms. Visit your nearest CareNow® urgent care clinic for diagnosis and treatment. You can minimize your wait time with our Web Check-In®.
Commonly known as an STD or STI, CareNow® Urgent Care can help treat sexually transmitted diseases or transmitted infections.
Unfortunately, STDs are a significant health challenge in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 20 million new cases of STIs annually.
As a result, this costs almost $16 billion each year. Whats worse, many cases of STIs, such as human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus, go undiagnosed and unreported to the CDC.
If these numbers prove anything, its that you should stay educated on what causes STIs and how they can be prevented. Be sure to find a CareNow Urgent Care location near you for help if you think youre experiencing STD symptoms.
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Clinical Trials For Herpes Vaccines Ongoing
While there have been some promising trials of herpes vaccines, to date, no human trials have shown high enough efficacy to bring a herpes vaccine to market.
People who have recurrent herpes may use the same medications that are recommended for symptomatic outbreaks when characteristic tingling and pain develops. In these situations, the medication course is started immediately to stave off or reduce the severity of an episode.
Suppressive therapy, involving the daily use of antiviral to prevent an outbreak reoccurrence, can reduce ones symptoms and the amount of viral shedding. This can be quite helpful, particularly in combination with reliable condom use.
If you are an adult, the symptoms of herpes are usually pretty manageable and only rarely cause complications. However, herpes can be very dangerous if it is transmitted to a growing baby during pregnancy.
If you have genital herpes and are pregnant, or if you are sexually involved with someone who is pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about managing the risks.
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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
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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.
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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What About Mental Health
We also know that due to the stigma, learning that you are positive for herpes can impact your mental health. Research shows that people diagnosed with herpes are more likely to become depressed, withdraw socially, and experience reduced self-esteem. The shame associated with contracting herpes can make a big impact on a persons quality of life. This is despite the fact that its a common virus that affects people of all walks of life, all social circles, and all socioeconomic classes. It not only affects people who have casual sex partners but also people who limit their sexual behavior to monogamous relationships. It can even affect people who have only had one partner.
I can almost guarantee you know multiple people who have genital herpes even if no one has ever told you. Also, many cases of genital herpes occur as a result of oral sex from someone who has a history of cold sores .
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Why Is Sexual Health Important
Anyone who is sexually active should be concerned about their sexual health. Left unchecked, STDs can wreak havoc on your reproductive system. This is true for both men and women.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reported that about 24 thousand women become infertile each year due to STDs. Typically, contracting an STD isnt enough to cause infertility or other reproductive health issues. Its when a sexually transmitted disease isnt treated that the risk of reproductive damage becomes a problem. This points to just how important it is to get tested regularly, especially when you have a new sexual partner or have multiple sexual partners. Early detection is the best way to prevent an STD from impacting your future health.
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Benefits Of Std Testing At An Urgent Care Facility
So, can urgent care test for STDs? Yes, and people often prefer to turn to an urgent care center rather than their primary care clinic when they need STD testing. Many patients experience a certain level of embarrassment when discussing STDs and prefer to broach this topic with a health care practitioner who doesnt know them personally.
Here are other benefits of getting tested for STDs in an urgent care facility:
- A quick care option. In most urgent care centers, you can get a walk-in or same-day appointment, quick testing, and a fast treatment recommendation. Depending on the type of STD test, you may expect a diagnosis within a few days.
- Flexible hours. Urgent care facilities are often open outside business hours, including early morning and late evening. Many urgent care centers open as early as 7 a.m. and operate as late as 9 p.m. on weekdays.
- Discreet treatment. Choosing an urgent care center for STD testing usually ensures a higher level of privacy. Some patients postpone essential STD testing or treatment because of self-consciousness. Visiting an urgent care center can help people avoid awkwardness or self-consciousness.
Depending on your insurance coverage, an urgent care center may be more affordable than visiting a hospital or a private practice. You may expect a similar level of care and medical competence with higher convenience and lower costs.
Can You Get Std Testing At Urgent Care Centers
Whether youre showing symptoms of an STD or not, its a good idea to get tested regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , all sexually active adults should get tested every year.
However, if youve experienced any of the following, you should get tested:
- Participated in sexual activity without protection
- Are sexually active with multiple partners
- Have reason to believe youve been exposed to an STD
Urgent care clinics are a great option for STD testing and treatment. At clinics like CareNow®, your testing can be easy, efficient, and discreet.
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