Discussing sexually transmitted diseases with friends, family, and even strangers can be embarrassing and even awkward. Although these should not be so, discussion on sexual diseases is being avoided by adults and adolescents. Everyone turns a blind eye when it pertains to sexual diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are used to refer to diseases that are transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. It occurs where a person engages in unprotected sex, vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease. This does not mean sex is the only way to get the diseases. The infections or diseases may be transmitted through blood contacts, such as sharing needles and breastfeeding.

Sexually transmitted diseases are also called sexually transmitted infections (STI) or venereal diseases (VD). STDS are continuously growing at an alarming rate, with about 20 million new STD reported each year. Unfortunately, many people do not receive early treatment against the disease, with some only willing to go for a test only after they begin to show symptoms. Sadly, not all STDS show symptoms, and those that do may only produce symptoms at a later stage of the disease. AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale provides STD tests on a walk-in basis. Visit us today to get tested. 

When to Get Tested

It is advisable to get tested for STD as often as possible to prevent you from spreading the disease and to know your status. Knowledge is key, and knowing your status sets you free. You can get tested anytime, although it is advisable to get tested in the following situations:

• When you have a new partner
• Where you and your partner are seeing another sexual partner, STD grows more rapidly in the community. It is essential to convince all parties involved to get tested.
• Where you have had sex with someone who has STD
• Where you had sex without a condom or the condom broke

Potential Complications

STDs, if left untreated, pose an array of complications in the short term, long term, and even permanent damage. It is important to stress that STD can cause death if left untreated. Examples of STDs are HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and syphilis.

Example of complications of STDs which are not treated are:

• Blindness
• Heart disease
• Congenital disability
• Bone deformation
• Infertility
• Brain damage
• And even death

Types of STDs Tested at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale

The following are examples of STDs that are tested at AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale:

• HPV
• Genital herpes
• Chlamydia 
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis 
• HIV
• AIDS

It is important to get tested as often as possible, especially after having unprotected sex. Not getting tested can result in complications that are dangerous to you and the people around you. You can contribute to a healthy society by preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Visit AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale and get tested today!