If you have a recent history of sexual activity and started showing signs of illness, visit an urgent care facility to get the support and treatment you need. Here’s what to expect from urgent care STD testing.
Symptoms of STDs
Many types of STDs and STIs exist, from bacterial and viral infections to parasites. However, knowing the symptoms is crucial to determine a diagnosis. Some STD symptoms include the following:
- Burning sensation or frequent urination
- Genital, buttock, or thigh sores and bumps
- Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, swollen glands, and bodily aches
- Atypical vaginal or anal discharge
- Genital or anal irritation, pain, swelling, and itching
Risks of Untreated STDs
Experiencing signs of an STD can feel embarrassing and difficult to accept, but leaving it untreated can worsen your health. For example, STIs can increase infertility, harm unborn fetuses during pregnancy, cause cancer, and increase HIV susceptibility.
Urgent Care STD Test Expectations
Now that you know more about the symptoms and risks of STDs, here’s what to expect for urgent care STD testing. This private, professional examination confirms whether or not you have contracted any infections or diseases after sexual acts.
Symptom Evaluation
STD testing begins with an evaluation by an urgent care physician. They’ll inquire about any current symptoms, then conduct a physical examination; females receive a pelvic exam, while males receive a genital exam. Throughout the physical exam, doctors will look for blisters or bumps that signify an STD.
Sample Collection and Results
After evaluating a client’s symptoms, the physician takes samples to rule out or confirm any STDs. They can take samples through a urine sample or take a small vial of blood from the client. Additionally, physicians might take genital, anal, and throat swabs for more information.
After collecting the samples, they go to a lab to confirm or deny an STD diagnosis. Testing can take a few days, and the urgent care facility will contact the client regarding their results. Patients must return to the urgent care facility for treatment if they test positive for an STD.
STD Treatment
Luckily, people who contract an STD have many treatment options. Chlamydia and gonorrhea patients receive prescription antibiotics to kill the infection. A second round of testing three months after finishing the prescription ensures the infection is completely gone. Unfortunately, genital herpes has no cure, but affected individuals can take antiviral medications to limit outbreaks and reduce symptoms.
People living with HIV can get antiretroviral therapy from their doctor and take a series of medications to reduce symptoms and slow the disease’s progress. Antiretroviral therapy reduces the risk of disease transmission, but it’s essential to practice caution when engaging in sexual activities with a partner.
At AFC Urgent Care, we offer the support you need to receive STD testing and treatment with the utmost confidentiality. Trust our STD testing in Brier Creek with straightforward screening and an in-house lab to monitor your health. Contact our facility today for more information.
