If you are sexually active then, yes, they are. STD rates in America are currently at an all-time high, and many people who have an STD don’t even know it, since many STDs don’t show symptoms.

Getting tested for STDs is one of the best things you can do for your sexual and overall health, and our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains why below.

How Will STDs Affect Me?

Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases, the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth; others may not be discovered until months or years later.

As we said earlier, many STDs are “silent,” meaning that they don’t show any symptoms. Some STDs do show symptoms, however, and we’ve listed the most common ones below.

Common STD Symptoms

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores or warts on the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odor
• Anal itching, soreness or bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you are sexually active, the CDC recommends getting STD-tested at least once a year. If you have more than one partner, share intravenous (IV) needles or don’t always practice safe sex by using a condom each time you have intercourse, you should be tested every three to six months.

STD testing sounds difficult, but it’s actually quite easy and painless. In addition to benefiting your sexual and overall health, we’ve listed some additional reasons to get STD-tested below.

Other Reasons to Get STD-Tested

• Getting tested is quick and easy at our AFC center. Most STD tests are quickly performed and show results in only a few minutes. No needles are necessary as tests are performed by a swab in the mouth or urinating in a cup.
• Most STDs are treatable. The sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get treated.
• Many people are unaware that they have an STD. Many STDs have symptoms that aren’t visible or noticeable, or don’t develop symptoms for months or years. The only way to know your status is to get tested.

Have additional questions about STDs or need to be tested? Feel free to reach out to our team at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville today!