STD awareness doesn’t have to begin and end in April. Staying informed about the risks, testing options and protection offers educators, parents, and young adults themselves a chance to take the necessary precautions to avoid STDs, and to treat them. 

With a variety of STDs (sexually transmitted disease) and STIs (sexually transmitted infection) circulating throughout the United States, walk-in clinics like AFC Marlborough offer confidential STD testing to help those who want to know their status so they can avoid the unnecessary spread of STDs. 

AFC Urgent Care Marlborough stands behind the message of STD Awareness Month by offering a friendly atmosphere, free of discrimination and judgement so that everyone can take action, get tested and treated if necessary for STDs and STIs. As always here is important information to know about the subject so you can make better informed decisions about sex and reduce your chances of getting an STD or STI.

STDs and STIs Continue To Grow In Numbers After The Pandemic

The CDC has a record of data on STD surges as well as what to look out for with growing trends and behaviors. 

Here are some quick facts and some overlooked facts about STDs in the U.S: 

• CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year.

• Cases amongst Seniors and the Elderly are rising, especially over the last 2 years 

• During 2014-2018 Syphilis (all stages) cases increased by 81%

• Gonorrhea cases increased by 67%

• Chlamydia cases remained at record highs

• Congenital syphilis cases more than doubled

• Condoms cannot completely protect you and your partner from some STDs, like herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer.

• It is important to get tested because although many STDs are curable and all are treatable, some do not show symptoms.

• In 2020, it was reported that 2100 newborns had syphilis 

How Can You Tell If You Have An STD or STI?

STDS don’t always have symptoms that show up right away. Sometimes they can appear out of nowhere making it more transmissible to others if you’re unaware of the fact that you have an STD. This is why it’s important to get tested regularly to have peace of mind and to avoid spreading it in case you do have one.

But, if you do show signs or symptoms of an STD, these are the most common ones:

• Painful or frequent urination

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina

• Sores or warts on the genital region

• Itching and redness in the genital region

• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth

• Abnormal vaginal odor

• Anal itching, soreness or bleeding

• Abdominal pain

• Fever

Getting Tested At AFC Urgent Marlborough For STDs

With in-house labs and no appointments necessary, you can get faster results with less hassle so that you can get on with your life. STD testing at AFC Urgent Care Marlborough is quick, convenient and confidential making us the best place to go to for your STD testing/screening needs. 

We are open 7 days a week and offer extended hours on the weekday from 8a-8p and weekend hours from 8a-5p for you to walk-in for confidential STD testing.