April is STD and STI awareness month. As much as everyone loves to have sex, we have to be careful of having unprotected sex; the quickest way to get an STD/STI. After all, sometimes you might not have symptoms for months and can go undetected!

Since sexually transmitted infections/diseases are very common, there are many different kinds to look out for. If an STD or an STI is left untreated it can cause damage to your health in the future.  AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is aware that this STD awareness month is about offering more testing options and information to avoid STD’s, which is why we have created a guide on STD and STI testing to help clear up any confusion or concerts you may have. 

What Are The Different Types Of STD’s And STI’s?

You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. Some STD’s, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. STD’s and STI’s are very common and because they are very common, unfortunately, there are a lot of them. These are some of the sexually transmitted Diseases/infections we should be alert and look out for:

Bacterial Vaginosis: (BV) is a common, treatable, vaginal condition which can increase your chance of getting an STD.

Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a common, but treatable, STD. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a common STD that can be treated with the right medication. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause very serious health problems.

Syphilis: Syphilis can have very serious problems when left untreated. It is simple to cure with the right treatment.

Herpes: Genital herpes is a common STD, but most people with the infection do not know they have it. While there is no cure, there are medicines available that can 

prevent or shorten outbreaks. These medicines also can make it less likely to pass the infection on.

Hepatitis - Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.

*In some cases, symptoms may not appear. It’s advisable to get tested when no symptoms are present.*

How Common Are STD’s And STI’s?

STD’s and STI’s are common, especially among young people. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for many reasons:

• Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STD’s.

• Some young people do not get the recommended STD tests.

• Many young people are hesitant to talk openly and honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex lives.

• Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult for young people to access STD testing.

• Some young people have more than one sex partner.

STD’s can also be transmitted in other ways. It’s not just during unprotected intercourse where you can get one, but through oral sex, anal sex and through cuts or breaks in skin. Herpes is a good example, because it can be transmitted from skin to skin contact. Because condoms are not 100% effective against all STD’s, it's the areas not covered by a condom that can increase the risk.

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford Offers Confidential STD and STI Testing 7 Days A Week!

AFC Urgent Care West Hartford offers Confidential STD testing 7 days a week with no appointment needed Although you can make one if you prefer a more discreet way to “check-in” and check out. We have convenient hours on the weekdays from 8a-8p and weekend hours from 8a-5p. STD testing is quick, private, and usually consists of a quick urine sample, blood sample, and/or oral swab. Results for STD testing are available within a few days.

New Feature: We now offer online bill pay making it much more convenient for you to check in and check out!