Beaumont STD Testing Near Me

Looking for confidential STD testing near Beaumont, TX? Stop by our urgent care. We offer STD testing & treatment with our expert providers.

Is STD testing offered at AFC Urgent Care?

Yes, AFC Beaumont has STD testing and treatment that you can rely on. Our discreet services will provide you with the utmost privacy and respect – two things AFC values. If you’re sexually active or have multiple partners, it’s highly recommended that you get tested for STDs. Protecting your health and the health of your partners begins by knowing the status of your sexual health.

Our STD testing services are available on a walk-in basis, no appointment needed. Although it’s sometimes uncomfortable to discuss, our caring team will help determine which tests are right for you and if needed provide you with a personalized treatment plan. If you’d like to learn more about our STD testing services, please visit AFC Urgent Care on Dowlen Rd.

What are STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)?

STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. While some STDs can be treated with medications, others have no cure and can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated.

How do you get an STD?

Simply put, STDs are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. We encourage anyone who is sexually active to get tested for STDs. You are at risk of contracting or spreading an STD when you have sex – regardless of how many sexual partners you have had, your sexual orientation or your marital status. If STDs are prevented and managed you can help safeguard your long-term health.

What are the most common STDs?

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Pubic Lice
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV

While these are some of the most common, there are over 20 different types of STDs.

Common STD Symptoms

STDs are generally contracted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, and are caused by either bacteria, viruses or parasites. Many people who have an STD do not exhibit signs, which is what makes them so dangerous. That’s why it’s important to conduct regular STD tests because they are often undetectable. But for the few who do display symptoms, common ones include:

• Pain during sex.
• Pain while urinating.
• Pain and/or itching to your penis, vagina, vulva and/or anus.
• Sores on and around your genitals.
• Abnormal discharge from your penis or vagina.
• Bleeding between periods.

If you’re concerned that you may have an STD, it’s imperative you get tested. The only way to know for sure is to get tested and follow your provider’s advice. It’s also important to practice safe sex, use protection and routinely get tested. This will help protect you and your partner from the risks of STDs.

Should I get tested for STDs?

Even if you may not be displaying symptoms, any individual who is sexually active should get tested for STDs. Avoiding treatment could have detrimental effects on your long-term health or cause you to infect others. Those who are pregnant or plan to have a baby should also consider getting tested. Certain STDs can be passed on to babies during childbirth and cause significant health issues.

Take control of your sexual health today. AFC is here to answer any questions you may have about the testing process and will provide you with a comfortable and safe environment. High-quality care starts here.

STD treatment and prevention

Knowing how to prevent and treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) is the best way to protect your health. If you suspect that you may have an STD, it’s crucial you get tested as soon as possible. When left undiagnosed, some STDs pose a serious threat to your health. Unfortunately, not all STDs can be cured. On the bright side, almost all of them can be treated and managed to allow you to live a healthy life. Typically, treatment involves antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

But prevention is always better than cure. Here are some methods to consider:

• Use condoms during sex.
• Keep sexual partners to a minimum and always get screened for STDs before having sex. There are certain treatments available for those living with an STD to help reduce the chances of spreading it to others.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting an STD and maintain your health.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common STD caused by a bacterial infection. It is spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, oral or anal sex. Chlamydia often comes without symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they usually show up one to three weeks after being infected.

Common chlamydia symptoms include:

• Pain or burning while urinating.
• Pain during sex.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Vaginal bleeding between periods.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health issues. It can also be passed from mother to baby during birth, which can negatively impact the baby’s health. Fortunately, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If you think you may have chlamydia or would like to find out more about the infection, contact your health care provider. 

What is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a common but very serious bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It can grow on your genitals, throat, mouth, eyes or anus, and often doesn’t show any symptoms.

If you do experience symptoms, they may include:

• Painful urination.
• Abnormal discharge.
• Excessive bleeding during periods or between periods.
• Swollen testicles.
• Itching around the genitals.

Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues down the road. It can also be passed to your baby during childbirth, so it’s wise to get tested if you are pregnant.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a common STD and bacterial infection that occurs in stages. It affects your genital area and occasionally your mouth. Syphilis is spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex and if caught early-on can easily be treated with antibiotics. However, if it goes untreated for too long, syphilis can be life-threatening.

Stage One: Symptoms include small sores that appear on your genitals. Most of the time, people do not recognize them as syphilis symptoms because the sores are painless and bear a similarity to ingrown hairs or harmless bumps.

Stage Two: A rash and more sores will develop on your genitals, anus and inside your mouth during this stage. In addition, there are other signs of stage two syphilis such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Aches

Stage Three: During this stage, many people do not experience any symptoms.

Stage Four: For about 15% of people who don’t get treated, the infection progresses to a fourth stage, which can lead to severe organ and brain damage. Some of the symptoms of the fourth stage of syphilis include:

• Vision and/or hearing loss
• Dementia
• Paralysis
• Blindness
• Heart disease
• Death

If you’re at risk for syphilis or have any of the symptoms, it’s important that you get tested and seek treatment right away. Don’t hesitate to talk to your primary care physician or visit our clinic and speak to our top-notch providers about your symptoms. The earlier syphilis is treated, the better.

What is HIV? Is HIV the same as AIDS?

HIV is a virus that targets and compromises your immune system. When this occurs you are left vulnerable and more prone to contracting a wide range of illnesses and infections. The most advanced and dangerous stage of HIV is known as AIDS. Currently, HIV is uncurable, but there are ways to manage it and help keep it from progressing into AIDS.

While HIV is known for being transmitted through unprotected sexual activity, this virus can also be spread through contacting bodily fluids, contaminated needles or an open wound. If you’re worried about coming in contact with HIV, it’s important to do your research and find a doctor’s office, hospital or medical center with the right safety protocols in place. For example, if you’re getting a body piercing, you should make sure that the facility is using sterile needles and other safety measures.

After being infected with HIV, many people do not display any symptoms for a long time. In the early stages of HIV, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Aches
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea

Chronic symptoms may also develop during this time, these include:

• Headaches
• Unusual fatigue
• Fever
• Diarrhea

For those already living with HIV, speak with your primary provider about the most effective ways to manage it. Proper treatment can greatly reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners or a baby during pregnancy. When the right steps are taken, you can still lead a long and healthy life with HIV.

What is Trich or Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite that is passed through unprotected sex. This type of STI affects vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men. Generally, most people don’t experience any symptoms; however, if they are present they could include:

• Unusual discharge.
• Vaginal itching and irritation.
• Unpleasant smell.
• Pain while urinating.
• Pain during sex.

If you suspect you might have trich, we know the importance of getting tested. Fortunately, trich can be treated through medication, so we recommend getting tested right away. AFC Beaumont offers a range of comprehensive STD and STI testing services.

What is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the cause of herpes, a viral infection. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 is known for causing oral herpes. Think cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which is characterized by sores or blisters on or around the genitals.

Herpes is extremely contagious and can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, like sexual activity or sharing of personal items such as towels or razors. It can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Although some people may have mild or unnoticeable symptoms, common signs of herpes include:

• Painful sores or blisters on the skin
• Fever
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful urination

At this time, herpes does not have a cure. There are antiviral medications, but they are predominantly used to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. These medications can help to shorten the duration of outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission to others. People with herpes can take steps to prevent outbreaks, such as avoiding triggers that may cause an outbreak (stress or overexposure to the sun) and practicing safe sex.

Since there are no visible symptoms, preventing the spread of herpes is even more vital. Using condoms during sexual activity and avoiding sharing personal items can help to reduce the risk of transmission. It is also important to inform sexual partners if you have herpes, as they may be at risk of contracting the virus.

What are Pubic Lice?

Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small, wingless insects that live on the skin and hair of the genital area. They are contracted through sexual contact or close contact with infested clothing or bedding. Symptoms of pubic lice include:

• Itching in the genital area.
• Visible lice or nits (eggs) on the hair.
• Small red bumps or sores on the skin.

In severe cases, the lice can cause a secondary infection due to scratching.

Treatment options for pubic lice include over-the-counter or prescription creams or lotions that kill the lice and their eggs. It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully and to treat all areas of the body where lice may be present, including the pubic area, thighs and underarms. In addition, all clothing, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat to kill any remaining lice or eggs. We encourage checking for lice and nits regularly, especially after sexual contact or close contact with infected individuals. If lice are found, it is important to seek treatment immediately to prevent the spread to others.

Is Hepatitis considered an STD?

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and comes from a variety of things, including viral infections, alcohol abuse and certain medications. There are five different types of hepatitis, but the most common strains in the United States are hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis B is considered an STD because it is traditionally contracted through sexual activity. On the other hand, all strains of hepatitis can technically spread through sexual intercourse, although it’s not as common as hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B spreads through contact of bodily fluids (blood, semen or vaginal fluids) while hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood (typically by contaminated needles). Hepatitis symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually include the following:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

In some hepatitis cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Hepatitis A and B are the most dangerous strains, but vaccinations are available and are the best form of prevention. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, but fortunately, this strain is curable through treatment, it may just take several months. Hepatitis A can also be cured whereas hepatitis B is currently incurable; however, there are antiviral medications available to treat the symptoms and reduce transmission to others.

Less common STDs

With various types of STDs it’s often difficult to know every disease and infection. Here are some less common but highly dangerous STDs:

• Scabies
• Chancroid
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Lymphogranuloma venereum

Although, these are lesser-known STDs, they still affect people every year. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to understand the risks associated with these four STDs. They can cause serious health issues, such as infertility and more if left undiagnosed.