Being sexually active not only brings pleasure and enjoyment, but in some unsafe cases, unwanted sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). The serious consequence happens when an STD or an STI is left untreated. If left untreated, the STD or STI may cause long term complications, such as difficulties in fertility. 

AFC Urgent Care Worcester encourages everyone to get tested periodically. 

AFC Urgent Care Worcester has brought you 3 reasons why you should get tested for an STD or an STI.

1. STD’s And STI’s Are A “GROWING” Concern And Statistic

STD’s are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STD’s do not show symptoms for a long time. 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.

The CDC states that the following people are most affected by STIs:

• Adolescents and people aged 15 - 24

• Gay, Bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

• Pregnant people

As you will see below, since 2016, Chlamydia has been the only STI that has dropped. The other three STIs have increased over the years. 

• Chlamydia - 1.6 million cases; down 1.2% from 2016

• Gonorrhea - 677,769 cases; up 45% from 2016 

• Syphilis - 133,945 cases; up 53% from 2016

• Congenital Syphilis - 2,148 cases; up 235% from 2016

2. STD and STI Symptoms May Not Show Up For A While…

Symptoms may not appear right away or at all. STD’s and STI’s are known for being sneaky and this is exactly why. Don’t be mistaken, just because one doesn’t see or feel symptoms, doesn’t mean one should ignore it and not get tested. 

If you are presenting symptoms, here are the most common STD and STI symptoms to look out for:

• 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

3. You May Not Know a New Partner’s Sexual History

Safe sex is very important, but sometimes we’re not always safe.  Changing partners increases our risk for contracting an STD or an STI if we don’t know their health history. Here are some estimated testing times and ages for STD and STI testing:

• All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.

• All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

• Everyone who is pregnant should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy. 

• All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested more frequently

AFC Urgent Care Worcester Offers CONFIDENTIAL STD Testing

Getting tested for STD’s/STI’s is easily one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Luckily for you, many walk-in clinics like AFC Urgent Care Worcester provide a friendly atmosphere and offer low-cost and discreet STD and STI testing. You can also make a discreet online appointment with us for you to get a confidential STD/STI appointment.

At AFC Urgent Care Worcester, we provide a number of services to help lower your risk of contracting STD’s by providing STD testing services, and treatment if you have tested positive. Testing could be a combination of urine testing, blood sample or oral swabs with results in a few days. Lastly, we now offer a bill pay option making it convenient for you to “check out” online