Safe & Compassionate STD Tests: Cedar Hills, Cedar Hills, Beaverton

Conveniently located off Hwy 26 on Cedar Falls Dr. across from Market of Choice. Open 7 days a week, extended hours, no appointment needed.

Scheduling an STD test can be nerve-wracking. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, or maybe none at all. You might worry about a past encounter, your future health, or even spreading something unknowingly to a partner.

We understand that getting tested for STDs can feel intimidating. At our clinic, we offer a safe, confidential, and judgment-free environment for STD testing and treatment. Our compassionate staff is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Schedule an Appointment for STD Testing

Common STDs in Cedar Hills

STDs are a common public health concern across the United States, and Oregon is no exception. To prioritize your sexual health, getting tested for STDs is an essential part of staying informed and taking control.

In Washington County, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most frequently reported STDs. In 2022, there were 281 new cases of Chlamydia and 92 new cases of Gonorrhea diagnosed per 100,000 people.

Syphilis rates have also seen a concerning increase nationwide. Oregon ranks among the top 10 states with the highest number of reported cases. According to the latest data from the Oregon Health Authority, Washington County saw 45 new Syphilis cases at various stages in 2022. It's important to note that most residents diagnosed with Syphilis were assigned male at birth.

AFC Urgent Care offers convenient and confidential testing for the following STD’s:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

There are specific tests for each individual STD listed above. Our board-certified providers will consult with you to determine which test or tests are needed.

When Should I Get Tested for an STD?

While some people only consider testing when they experience symptoms, the reality is that many STDs don't cause any noticeable signs. This means you could have an STD and not even know it, potentially putting your health and the health of your partner(s) at risk.

We recommend STD testing for a wide range of situations:

• Regular Screenings: Consistent testing is vital for everyone who is sexually active. Even individuals in monogamous relationships can unknowingly transmit or contract STDs without experiencing symptoms.
• New Partner: If you've recently begun seeing someone new, getting tested is essential, regardless of any noticeable signs or symptoms.
• Annual Checkup: Haven't had an STD test in over a year and not in a monogamous relationship with a recently tested partner? Scheduling an STD screening is a good preventative measure.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear – many STDs have none. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure.

Does Insurance Cover STD Testing?

In some cases, STD testing may be covered by your insurance carrier, but we always recommend that you inquire with the carrier directly, as it can vary. As an alternative, we offer low self-pay rates for each test and a bundled price that includes all the above tests for patients that want a full STD work up.

What Are the Symptoms of STDs?

STDs are typically transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

While some STDs cause noticeable symptoms, many don't. This is why regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:

• Pain during sex
• Painful urination
• Pain or itching around the genitals
• Sores on or near the genitals
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Bleeding between periods

How Do Doctors Test for STDs?

STD testing methods can vary depending on the specific infection being checked. Here's a general overview of what to expect:

• Physical Exam: A trained medical professional will visually examine your genitals for any signs of infection, such as sores, rashes, or discharge. This is a quick and painless process.
• Blood Draw: For certain STDs, a small blood sample will be drawn from your arm. This is a standard procedure used in many types of medical testing.
• Sample Collection: In some cases, a sample of urine, saliva, or discharge may be collected for testing. This is usually done with a swab or small cup.

STD Treatment and Prevention

If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, getting tested is crucial. While some STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated, the good news is that most are treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medications. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and minimizes potential health risks.

The best defense against STDs is prevention. Here are some key steps you can take:

• Consistent Condom Use: Using condoms correctly every time you have sex is the most effective way to reduce the risk of STD transmission.
• Limiting Sexual Partners: Having fewer sexual partners lowers your overall exposure risk.
• Open Communication: Talking openly and honestly with your partner(s) about sexual history and STD testing is essential.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are available to protect against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, both of which can be sexually transmitted.
• Regular Testing: Even if you're in a monogamous relationship, getting tested regularly is recommended for optimal sexual health.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It's important to be aware of chlamydia because it can spread easily and often doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. This means someone can have chlamydia and unknowingly pass it on to a sexual partner.

Symptoms

While many people with chlamydia experience no symptoms at all, some may develop signs within 1-3 weeks of exposure.

• Symptoms
• Painful urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Unusual discharge
• Bleeding between periods

Treatment

Even if you're not experiencing any symptoms, getting tested for chlamydia is crucial Chlamydia is curable, so the sooner you start treatment, the better. Left untreated, this infection can lead to serious health problems in both men and women. In women, chlamydia can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility. Men with untreated chlamydia may experience testicular pain and swelling. Additionally, pregnant women with chlamydia can pass the infection to their baby during birth, potentially causing health complications.

What is Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common infection spread through sexual contact that can affect your genitals, throat, mouth, eyes, or rectum.

Symptoms

While many people with gonorrhea don't have any symptoms, here are some to watch out for:

• Burning feeling when you pee
• Unusual discharge from your genitals
• Irregular bleeding between or during periods
• Swollen testicles
• Itching in your genital area

Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. But leaving it untreated can lead to serious health problems down the line. Additionally, pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass it to their babies during birth, causing health complications for the newborn.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria. It progresses through stages, and the early signs can be deceiving. Syphilis is highly treatable with antibiotics, especially when caught early. If you suspect you might have syphilis, don't hesitate to get tested.

Stage One

The first stage of syphilis often goes unnoticed because it appears as painless sores on the genitals or mouth. These sores can resemble ingrown hairs or minor bumps.

Stage Two & Three

If left untreated, syphilis advances to a stage with a more noticeable rash and additional sores on the genitals, anus, and mouth. You might also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, weight loss, hair loss, and general aches.

In the later stages of syphilis, symptoms may disappear entirely. While some people never experience further issues, about 15% of those untreated face serious complications like organ and brain damage.

Stage Four

If syphilis reaches a fourth stage due to lack of treatment, it can cause permanent damage. This can include vision or hearing loss, dementia, paralysis, blindness, heart disease, and even death.

What is Herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main strains: HSV-1, which typically causes oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2, which usually causes genital herpes. However, either strain can infect both the mouth and genitals.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of herpes can include outbreaks of small, painful blisters on the genitals, mouth, or rectum.
• The virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
• Transmission can also occur through kissing or touching infected areas (mouth or genitals) and then touching another person without washing hands.

Treatment

While there is no cure for herpes, a simple test at our urgent care center can diagnose an active outbreak. We offer prescription antiviral medications that can shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission to partners.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens your body's immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. While there's no cure, effective treatments can manage HIV and help you live a long, healthy life.

Is HIV the Same as AIDS?

HIV is the virus, and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Early diagnosis and treatment with medication can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.

How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is spread through specific bodily fluids:

• Blood
• Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk (can infect a baby during breastfeeding)

Common transmission methods include:

• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• Sharing needles or syringes with someone infected with HIV

HIV is NOT transmitted through:

• Casual contact (hugging, shaking hands)
• Saliva (kissing)
• Sweat or tears
• Sharing utensils or toilets

Symptoms

Many people with HIV experience no symptoms for years. Early symptoms can be flu-like and may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea

Early detection allows for prompt treatment initiation. Treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others and improve your overall health.

Is Hepatitis considered an STD?

Hepatitis is a group of viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. While there are several strains, Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common. The good news is that the most serious strains, Hepatitis A and B, are preventable with vaccination.

Transmission

• Hepatitis A: Spreads through contaminated food or water.
• Hepatitis B: Spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, or vaginal fluids (not saliva) during sexual activity.
• Hepatitis C: Spreads through contact with infected blood, often through sharing needles or drug use equipment. Sexual transmission is possible but less frequent.

Symptoms

While some people may not have symptoms, common signs of hepatitis include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine and light-colored stools
• Joint and muscle pain

Treatment

• Hepatitis A: No cure, but symptoms usually resolve on their own.
• Hepatitis B: Chronic infection manageable with medication. No cure, but vaccination prevents infection.
• Hepatitis C: Can sometimes be cured with medication. No vaccine available.