For most patients, sexual health is not a topic they talk about often. But regular STD testing is an important part of your overall health.
Knowing when to get a test and how to get one doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this article, we will explain when you should get tested, how they work, and what you should get tested for.
When Should I Get an STD Test?
In many cases, STDs have no symptoms. That’s why STD testing is important for anyone who is sexually active, particularly those active with multiple partners. Testing is the only way to be sure whether or not you have an STD.
Common STD Symptoms
Below are a few symptoms that are common for many STDs.
- Pain or burning during urination
- Unusual discharge
- Fever or chills
- Lower abdominal pain
- Sore or swollen lymph nodes
How STD Tests Work
Most tests are simple procedures that can be done for walk-in appointments. These tests are performed in one of three ways; urine tests, culture swabs, and blood tests.
Urine tests require you to pee in a cup so that tests can be done on your sample. Culture swabs are cotton swabs of the inner cheek or genitals to check for illness. And blood tests are taken via a needle and are processed at an independent lab.
Common Tests To Get
When you go for STD testing, you want to check for a variety of conditions. At Live Urgent Care, our screening tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. This screening covers the most common STDs.
Should I use at home testing kit?
At home STD testing has become more common, but it should not replace a meeting with a provider. A healthcare provider can give you both testing and ensure that you are healthy enough for sexual activity.
Where Can I Get an STD Test?
Walk-in urgent care clinics provide STD testing near you. These clinics make it easy to get an STD screening wide accessible appointments.
At Live Urgent Care, we offer discreet, professional STD screenings. Our board-certified providers can help diagnose and treat STDs. We can also provide helpful prescriptions if necessary. Learn more about our reproductive health services or book an appointment online to start experiencing the benefits of telehealth.
