STD Testing in Boston MA | STI Testing and Treatment

Discreet and Easy, Don't Put Off Testing

Many people don’t get tested for sexually transmitted disease (STD) because of inconvenience, cost or embarrassment. American Family Care locations in Boston MA makes it easy to get the screenings you need to protect your health. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common among people of all ages in the United States. Especially for younger people, STDs are on the rise.

We have an in-house lab, and no appointments are necessary. At American Family Care locations in Boston MA, you can get fast, discreet results with less hassle. Whether you’re experiencing any symptoms or simply want to protect yourself by doing Routine STD testing, American Family Care locations in Boston MA can help. Our providers can also provide prescriptions if an infection is detected.

What Is An STD?

There are dozens of known STDs in the US, which are categorized as:

• Bacterial - STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are identified as bacterial sexually transmitted diseases and can be treated with antibiotics
• Viral - Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C. These cannot be cured or treated with antibiotics. Still, many can be treated with other prescription medications, and some, like HPV, can disappear on their own.
• Parasitic - Common examples of parasitic STDs include public lice and scabies. These can typically be cured with medications and creams.

Some of the most common STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS
• Pubic lice

Symptoms of STDs

Many people do not realize they are infected with an STD because many of the diseases don’t have any symptoms. You can be infected with an STD for years without knowing it. However, when STDs are asymptomatic, they can still cause damage to your body.

Different STDs have different symptoms and may include:

• Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks
• Weird discharge from your vagina or penis
• Burning when you pee and/or having to pee a lot
• Itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus
• Flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen glands, and feeling tired.

Who Should Get Tested For STDs?

If you are sexually active, you should get tested at American Family Care locations in Boston MA once a year. You should get tested more often if you are:

• Sexually active and younger than 25 years old.
• Sexually active person with new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has an STD.
• Men who have sex with men should get screened more frequently for STDs, such as at 3-to-6 month intervals.
• At-risk pregnant women should get tested early in pregnancy, with repeat testing as needed.

You should also be screened for STDs if:

• You’re about to begin a new relationship
• You and your partner are thinking about not using condoms
• Your partner has cheated on you or has multiple partners
• You have symptoms that suggest you might have an STI

What Does An STD Test Require?

Ultimately, depending on your specific symptoms (such as pain, sores, discharge, etc.), medical history, and sexual history, your medical provider will decide what type of STD test to give. Some STDs are similar, so you might be tested for a few different types. Testing types at American Family Care locations in Boston MA include:

• Blood sample
• Urine sample
• Swab of the mouth
• Swab of the genitals
• Swab of discharge or sores

STD testing is quick and painless. Our medical team is well-equipped with the tools and experience to provide you with fast, reliable testing and treatments.

What Are The Risks Of Leaving STDs Untreated?

There are many different STDs, so the risks will depend on the disease. Some of the risks included cancer, infertility, transmission to sexual partners, and harm to unborn babies. If left untreated, asymptomatic STDs can lead to:

• Increased risk of infertility
• Certain types of cancer
• Transmission to sexual partners
• Harm to an unborn baby if you’re pregnant
• Increased susceptibility to HIV infections