If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, also known as an “STD”. STDs are highly contagious and if you’re not practicing safe sex, your risk for infection goes up. It doesn’t matter what age you are, anyone can get one. STDs are often silent and sneaky. Most people don’t always show symptoms and can spread it unintentionally. 

Testing for STDs and STI’s are the most accurate way of knowing if you have one. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk understands that April is considered STD Awareness month and testing is the most important thing you can do to know your status. But, testing and staying safe shouldn’t start and end in April. We encourage everyone who is sexually active to continue testing and practicing safe sex. In the meantime, here are some important facts you should know about STDs, STI’s and testing.  

Why Do I Need To Get Tested For An STD or STI?

The risk is not knowing your status. With about 26 million new cases occurring each year in the United States, STDs continue to be a growing concern. Did you know that teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 make up half of the cases in the U.S? We can only assume that “Hook up” culture and increased activity on dating apps have led to the rise of STDs in this age group in the past decade. 

This is not the only demographic where we are seeing an increase in STD’s. Infections amongst seniors are growing as well, with syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia rates hitting new highs,  especially in senior communities. Pandemic induced? Perhaps!

Your Risk Factor For STDs Goes Up IF…

What if you actually practice safe sex and are monogomaus with one partner. Does this mean you can skip out on testing? In a perfect world without diseases and illnesses, sure, but since this is reality, you can never be too sure! 

Your risk factor for contracting an STD or STI can increase if you are sexually active, have more than one partner, have unprotected sex and are not getting tested regularly. And intercourse is not the only way to get an STD. You can also contract an infection from skin to skin contact that’s not being protected by a barrier method such as a condom. You can also get an STD from oral sex, kissing, anal sex or from cuts and open skin. Even sharing items like toys or drinks while someone has symptoms can increase the spread.

If you’re unsure whether you may have contracted an STD, since most people don’t always show symptoms right away, your safest bet is to get tested periodically throughout the year.

AFC Urgent Care Norwalk Offers Confidential STD Testing

Summer flings are right around the corner. Walk-in any day of the week for CONFIDENTIAL STD screening and testing at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk. We’ll help give you peace of mind. Here are some things to know about STD testing with us:

• Our locations have in-house labs, so you’re able to get your results faster and are often less expensive than other clinics.

• You don't need to wait for an appointment, which is extremely important when it comes to STDs. although we are now offering them. 

• Our providers can write prescriptions, so if any medications are needed, you can pick them up where you choose, discreetly and conveniently.

• Lastly, our providers are compassionate, friendly and easy to talk to. If you have any questions or concerns about STD’s our providers can help answer them.