Contracting an STD is a common issue across the country! While the nature of the illness can be sensitive, it should be treated just like any other illness you come down with. Testing for it and treating your symptoms will help prevent the STD from getting worse, and it stops the spread from person to person.

Your sexual health impacts your overall health, so you should always make it a priority. Getting tested for STDs is important when you are showing symptoms, but it is also important to do regularly if you are sexually active.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains what kind of STD tests we offer and how we can help you feel better.

Do All STDs Cause Symptoms?

The tricky thing about STDs is that not all of them will be immediately apparent. Some STDs can be present without any symptoms, meaning you could be spreading them around without even knowing it or meaning to! This is why you are encouraged to test often, especially before changing partners.

If you are experiencing symptoms, they can range in severity and can come and go. You can expect anything from burning during urination and abnormal discharge to pain during or after intercourse or general discomfort or itchiness. Any of these signs should prompt you to stop by for a quick test.

Some STDs We Can Test for at AFC

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Will STDs Go Away on Their Own?

Some do, but please don’t wait to see if yours will resolve on its own. We understand that discussing your sexual health with a doctor or someone you don’t know can make you uncomfortable, but we promise that STD discussions are a part of our everyday dialogue and we will take care of you respectfully and thoroughly.

Failing to treat an STD can leave you with long-term issues, like fertility troubles, pregnancy complications and pelvic inflammatory disease. All of this can be avoided with a simple test! Our rapid tests can give you results in as little as 30 minutes, and we can provide a treatment plan right after the results are in.

Preventing Future STDs

• Test frequently/before a new relationship.
• Communicate needs with your partner.
• Always wear a condom.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.

Don’t ignore symptoms of an STD! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN.