Humble STD Testing Near Me
Get confidential STD testing in Humble, TX. Our walk-in urgent care can test for a wide range of sexually
transmitted diseases – we’re open daily!
Is STD testing offered at AFC Urgent Care?
Yes, AFC Humble provides confidential STD testing and treatment. For individuals who are sexually active –
especially with multiple partners – it’s recommended that you get routine STD tests. In order to protect your
health and the health of your partners, confirming the status of your sexual health is imperative. We get it –
talking about STDs and STIs can be difficult, but you can count on AFC to give you privacy and respect
throughout the whole process. We’re more than health care professionals; AFC is family you can trust.
Our urgent care clinic offers comprehensive testing services every day of the week. No need to schedule weeks in
advance, walk in whenever you suspect you have an STD or simply for peace of mind. To learn more about our wide
range of STD and STI tests, please visit AFC Urgent Care on Sam Houston Parkway.
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses that are passed from one person to another through sexual
contact. While some STDs can be treated with medications, others have no cure and can lead to long-term health
problems if left untreated.
How do you get an STD?
STDs are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. When you have sex you
risk contracting an STD; regardless of your marital status, sexual orientation or number of sexual partners.
That’s why STDs are recommended for anyone who is engaging in sexual activity. Protecting your long-term sexual
health starts with preventing and managing STDs today.
What are the most common STDs?
While these are some of the most common, there are over 20 different types of STDs.
Common STD symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by either bacteria, viruses or parasites, and are generally
contracted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. A majority of people do not experience any symptoms
while they have an STD, making it challenging to detect unless you’re tested routinely. Unfortunately, for the
select people who do display symptoms, common ones include:
- Pain during sex.
- Pain while urinating.
- Pain and/or itching to your penis, vagina, vulva and/or anus.
- Sores on and around your genitals.
- Abnormal discharge from your penis or vagina.
- Bleeding between periods.
Do you suspect you have an STD? Getting tested is essential and the only way to give yourself peace of mind.
Remember, practicing safe sex, using protection, getting tested regularly and listening to your provider’s
advice are the best ways to safeguard your health and reduce the risk of STDs.
Do I need to be tested for STDs?
If you’re sexually active, then yes, it’s recommended that you get tested for STDs. While you may not be
displaying symptoms, avoiding a diagnosis or treatment could negatively impact your long-term health or cause
you to infect others. If you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby, it’s especially important to get tested.
Some STDs can be passed on and cause significant health problems to babies during childbirth.
At AFC Humble, we offer comprehensive STD testing services to help you take control of your sexual health. Our
experienced and caring team is here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the testing and
treatment you need.
Treating and preventing STDs
What’s the best way to protect your health and the health of your partners? Through education – learn how you can
prevent and treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
If you’re concerned that you may have an STD, get tested as soon as possible. Certain STDs can pose a serious
threat to your health if left untreated. Unfortunately, not all STDs can be cured, but most of them can be
treated and managed – allowing you to live a healthy life. Typical treatment of STDs involves antibiotics or
antiviral drugs. However, prevention is always betting than hoping for a cure.
When it comes to preventing STDs, AFC recommends:
- Use condoms during sex.
- Limit your sexual partners and always get screened for STDs before having sex; there are some treatments
available for those living with an STD to help reduce the chances of spreading it to others.
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.
Adhering to these steps will greatly reduce your risk of contracting an STD, spreading an STD and help you
maintain a healthier life.
What is Chlamydia?
This STD is a common bacterial infection. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, oral or
anal sex. It often comes without symptoms, but if they do appear it is usually one to three weeks after being
infected.
Common signs of chlamydia:
- Pain or burning while urinating.
- Pain during sex.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
- Vaginal bleeding between periods.
Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It can also be passed from mother to baby during
birth, which can negatively impact the baby’s health. Fortunately, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If
you think you may have chlamydia or would like to find out more about the infection, contact your health care
provider.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common but very serious bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It can grow on
your genitals, throat, mouth, eyes or anus, and often doesn’t show any symptoms. If you do experience symptoms,
they may include:
- Painful urination.
- Abnormal discharge.
- Excessive bleeding during or between periods.
- Swollen testicles.
- Itching around the genitals.
The good news is this type of STD can be treated with antibiotics. The bad news is, if Gonorrhea is left
undiagnosed, more serious health issues may occur down the road. Gonorrhea can also be passed to your baby
during childbirth, making STD testing a priority if you are pregnant.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a common bacterial infection that differs from other STDs. This infection occurs in stages and is
spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can affect your genital area and sometimes even your mouth. When
caught in its early stages, syphilis can be treated easily through antibiotics. However, if it goes untreated
for too long, it can be very dangerous.
Stage one: Syphilis symptoms are most likely unrecognizable. They appear as painless small sores on your
genitals and look similar to ingrown hairs or harmless bumps.
Stage two: During the second stage, signs of syphilis become more obvious. A rash and more sores will
likely develop on your genitals, anus and inside your mouth. You may also experience the following:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Aches
Stage three: The third stage of syphilis is the latent stage, when many people do not display signs.
Stage four: For around 15% of people who do not get treated, the infection will progress to a fourth
stage, which can lead to severe organ and brain damage. During this stage of syphilis, some of the symptoms
include:
- Vision and/or hearing loss
- Dementia
- Paralysis
- Blindness
- Heart disease
- Death
The earlier syphilis is treated the better – it is a deadly infection if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
If you’re at risk for syphilis or have any of the symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your primary care about
your symptoms and get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
What is HIV? Is HIV the same as AIDS?
HIV is a virus that can cause serious damage to your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of
illnesses and infections. HIV can also lead to a more serious condition called AIDS. At the moment, there is no
cure for HIV, but there are ways to manage it and help prevent it from progressing to AIDS.
HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual activity, but it can also be passed through touching
infected bodily fluids, or coming in contact with a contaminated needle or open wound. If you’re worried about
coming in contact with HIV, it’s important to do your research and find a doctor’s office, hospital or medical
center with the right safety protocols in place. For example, if you’re getting a body piercing, you should make
sure that the facility is using sterile needles and other safety measures.
Many people don’t experience any symptoms for a long time after being infected with HIV. In the early stages, you
may experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Aches
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
Some people may also develop chronic symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Unusual fatigue
- Fever
- Diarrhea
If you’re living with HIV, you should talk to your provider about the best ways to manage it. With the proper
treatment, you can significantly reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners or a baby during pregnancy.
And by taking the right steps, you can still lead a long and healthy life.
What is Trich or Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite that is passed through
unprotected sex. It can affect the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men, and most people don’t
experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Unusual discharge.
- Vaginal itching and irritation.
- Unpleasant smell.
- Pain while urinating.
- Pain during sex.
We understand the importance of getting tested for trich if you think you may have contracted it. Trich can be
treated with medication, so it’s wise to get tested right away. We offer a range of STI testing services, so you
can get tested quickly and easily.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1
and HSV-2. Most people are familiar with HSV-1. This type causes oral herpes, which is characterized by
cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which is characterized
by sores or blisters on or around the genitals.
Herpes is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, like sexual activity or
sharing of personal items such as towels or razors. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her
baby during childbirth. Symptoms of herpes may include:
- Painful sores or blisters on the skin
- Fever
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Painful urination
Some people may not have any symptoms at all, or symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed.
Currently, there is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can be used to reduce the severity and
frequency of outbreaks. These medications can help to shorten the duration of outbreaks and reduce the risk of
transmission to others. Avoiding triggers that may cause an outbreak (stress or overexposure to the sun) as well
as practicing safe sex are also effective ways to prevent outbreaks. If you have herpes, AFC recommends
informing your sexual partners because they may be at risk of contracting the virus.
What are Pubic Lice?
Unlike infections and viruses, pubic lice is an infestation. These small, wingless insects commonly known as
crabs live on the skin and hair of the genital area. Pubic lice is included in this list of common STDs because
they are contracted through sexual contact or close contact with infested clothing or bedding. Symptoms of pubic
lice include:
- Itching in the genital area.
- Visible lice or nits (eggs) on the hair.
- Small red bumps or sores on the skin.
In severe cases, the lice can cause a secondary infection due to scratching.
Treatment options for pubic lice are fairly simple and consist of over-the-counter or prescription creams or
lotions that kill the lice and their eggs. It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully
and to treat all areas of the body where lice may be present, including the pubic area, thighs and underarms. In
addition, all clothing, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat to kill any
remaining lice or eggs. It is also a good idea to check for lice and nits regularly, especially after sexual
contact or close contact with infected individuals. If lice are found, it is important to seek treatment
immediately to prevent the spread to others.
Is Hepatitis considered an STD?
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and comes from a variety of things,
including viral infections, alcohol abuse and certain medications. There are five different types of hepatitis,
but the most common strains in the United States are hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis B is considered an STD because it’s contracted through sexual contact. However, all strains can
technically spread through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B spreads through contact of bodily fluids (blood, semen or vaginal fluids) while hepatitis C is
mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood (typically by contaminated needles). Hepatitis symptoms
can range from mild to severe and usually include the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.
Hepatitis A and B are the most dangerous strains, but the best prevention is vaccination. Currently, hepatitis A
and B are incurable, but there are antiviral medications available to treat the symptoms and reduce transmission
to others. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The good news is hepatitis C is curable through
treatment, though it may take several months.
Less common STDs
With so many types of STDs, it’s sometimes difficult to know every disease and infection that can be sexually
transmitted. Here are some less common but highly dangerous STDs you should also be aware of:
- Scabies
- Chancroid
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
These are lesser-known STDs, but they still affect people every year. If you’re sexually active, it’s important
to understand the risks associated with these four STDs. They can cause serious health issues, such as
infertility and more if left untreated.