Confidential STD Testing Clinic Q&A

STDs, otherwise known as sexually transmitted diseases or infections, are caused by engaging in sexual contact. They can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, blood, or any other bodily fluids. Sexually transmitted diseases can be passed on through any types of sexual contact including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex.

Though not everyone who has an STD will display symptoms, look for the following signs of a sexually transmitted infection:

– Genital, oral, or rectal sores
– Genital, oral, or rectal bumps
– Painful and/or burning sensations when you urinate
– Unusual discharge from the penis
– Odorous vaginal discharge
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Painful sex
– Rashes
– Abdominal pain
– Fever

Sexual transmitted diseases can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Your healthcare provider will likely conduct the following examinations and screening tests to detect any signs of sexually transmitted infection:

Swabs
During your STD swab test, you can expect your physician to gently use a long swab to take a small sample from your throat, anus, or vagina. This is one of the most common types of tests to detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis.

Urine Test
Urine tests are most often used to test for bacterial sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additionally, urine tests can be used to detect trichomoniasis vaginitis.

Blood Test
Blood tests are used to diagnose syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, and HIV. These blood tests will be sent to a special lab and within a few days, your physician will get the results and give you a call.

Physical Examination
Visual inspections and physical examinations can be used to detect certain types of STDs, if you’re showing visible symptoms. A physical exam is most often used to diagnose sores, lesions, pubic lice, or genital warts.

Yes! FastAid Urgent Care provides STD assessment, diagnosis, and treatments. The most common treatments for sexually transmitted infections include:

Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are used to fight against herpes and HIV. Though these types of sexually transmitted infections are not fully curable, your symptoms can significantly decrease. The risk for spreading herpes and HIV do diminish with these treatments; however, they can still transmit when you don’t engage in safe sex practices.

Antibiotics
Antibiotic treatments are used to treat curable sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. During and one week after your antibiotic treatment, you will need to abstain from engaging in vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Preventative Care
Preventative care is the best way to avoid sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your primary care provider about safe sex practices, especially if you have an incurable infection. Everyone deserves to have a healthy, active sex life without being worried about sexually transmitted diseases. Regular testing is one essential method for helping you and your sexual partners safe.

For further information about confidential STD testing at FastAid Urgent Care, please don’t hesitate to call our friendly reception or request an appointment through our online form. STD testing is an important way to ensure you practice safe sex. They can help detect infection even if you aren’t displaying any symptoms. If you have any additional questions about how our STD clinic can provide you with the testing services you need, give us a call during our business hours. FastAid Urgent Care looks forward to your visit soon!