STD Testing Near Broadway, CO

Visit our urgent care clinic for convenient & confidential STD testing. Take proactive control over your health. Walk-in today, no appointment needed.

STD Testing at AFC Urgent Care

At AFC Urgent Care Broadway, we provide confidential STD testing and treatment in a safe, respectful environment. Understanding your sexual health is an important step in protecting yourself and your partners, and it’s especially important to get tested if you’re sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners.

We know conversations about sexual health can feel sensitive. That’s why privacy, compassion, and professionalism are at the heart of what we do. Our experienced medical team will work with you to determine the right tests and create a personalized treatment plan if needed.

STD testing is available seven days a week on a walk-in basis, no appointment required. To learn more about our services, stop by AFC Broadway on S. Broadway.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

STDs are infections caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses that are spread through sexual contact. While certain STDs can be effectively treated with medication, others have no cure and may result in serious, long-term health complications if not properly managed.

How Do You Get an STD?

STDs are infections that can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact. Regardless of the number of partners you’ve had, your sexual orientation or marital status, anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting an STD. For this reason, regular testing is recommended for anyone who has been sexually active. When left undiagnosed and untreated, STDs can lead to serious, long-term health consequences.

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

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by either bacteria, viruses or parasites, and are generally contracted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. STDs can be hard to identify because many people do not experience any symptoms, which is why regular testing should be prioritized. However, for those who do have 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 suspect you might have an STD, it’s important to get tested. The only way to know is to get tested and follow any instructions given by your doctor.

Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you’re sexually active, STD testing should be a regular part of your healthcare routine. Many STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms, but delaying treatment can lead to long-term health issues or result in unknowingly transmitting the infection to others. Testing is especially important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as certain STDs can be passed to newborns during childbirth and may cause serious health complications.

At AFC Broadway, we offer comprehensive STD testing to help you protect and manage your sexual health. Our knowledgeable and kind medical team is here to answer your questions and provide the testing and treatment you need with professionalism and discretion.

STD Treatment and Prevention

Protecting your health and your partner’s health starts with prevention. If you’re sexually active, you should know how to prevent and treat STDs.

If you believe you may have an STD, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. When left untreated, certain STDs can pose serious risks to your health. While not all STDs are curable, most can be effectively treated and managed, allowing you to maintain a healthy life. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications; however, prevention remains the best approach to protecting your health.

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. Currently, there are a few 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.

Abiding by these steps will significantly reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

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 unfavorably 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 healthcare 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 damaging health issues down the road. It can also be passed to your baby during childbirth, so it’s important to get tested if you are pregnant.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) that develops in stages and is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. It most often affects the genital area but can also impact the mouth. When detected early, syphilis can be treated effectively with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can progress and cause serious, potentially life-threatening complications.

Stages of Syphilis

• First Stage: Small, painless sores may appear on the genitals, anus or mouth. Because they resemble ingrown hairs or minor bumps, they are often overlooked.
• Second Stage: A rash may develop, along with additional sores in the genital area, anus or mouth. Other possible symptoms include:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Muscle aches
• Third Stage: Many people experience no symptoms at all. But for about 15% of people who don’t get treated, the infection progresses to a fourth stage.
• Fourth Stage: In about 15% of untreated cases, syphilis advances to a severe stage that can damage the brain, heart and other organs. Potential symptoms include:
• Vision or hearing loss
• Dementia
• Paralysis
• Blindness
• Heart disease
• Death

If you are at risk for syphilis or notice any symptoms at any stage, testing and prompt treatment are essential. Early diagnosis offers the best chance of preventing long-term complications and protecting your overall health.

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that can cause serious damage to your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of illnesses and infections. HIV can also lead to a more serious condition called AIDS. Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but there are ways to manage it and help prevent it from progressing to AIDS.

HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual activity, but it can also be passed through touching infected bodily fluids, or coming in contact with a contaminated needle or 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.

Many people don’t experience any symptoms for a long time after being infected with HIV. In the early stages, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

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

Some people may also develop chronic symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Unusual fatigue
• Fever
• Diarrhea

If you’re living with HIV, you should talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage it. With the proper treatment, you can greatly reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners or a baby during pregnancy. And if the right steps are taken, you can still lead a long and healthy life.

What is Trich or Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, or “trich”, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite that is passed through unprotected sex. It can affect the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men, and most people don’t experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

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

We understand the necessity of getting tested for trich if you think you may have contracted it. Trich can be treated with medication, so it’s important to get tested right away. We offer a range of STI testing services, so you can get tested quickly and easily.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 most often causes oral herpes, which appears as cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes, which results in sores or blisters in the genital area.

Herpes is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, as well as through sharing personal items like razors or towels. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

Common symptoms of herpes include:

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

It’s important to note that some people may not experience symptoms, or their symptoms may be so mild they go unnoticed.

Although there is currently no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, shorten their duration, and lower the risk of transmission. Lifestyle measures, such as managing stress, avoiding known triggers, and practicing safe sex can also help minimize outbreaks.

Because herpes can spread even when no symptoms are present, prevention is key. Using condoms during sexual activity, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and openly communicating with sexual partners about a herpes diagnosis are all important steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

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 prescribed 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. All clothing, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat to kill any remaining lice or eggs. It is also a good idea to check for lice and nits regularly, especially after sexual contact or close contact with infected individuals. If lice are found, seek treatment immediately to prevent the spread to others.

What is Hepatitis? 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’s contracted through sexual contact. However, all strains can technically spread through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B spreads through contact with 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)

For some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Hepatitis A and B are the most dangerous strains, but the best prevention is vaccination. Currently, hepatitis A and B are incurable, but there are antiviral medications available to treat the symptoms and reduce transmission to others. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, on the bright side, hepatitis C is curable through treatment, though it may take several months.

Lesser-known STDs

There are so many types of STDs, and it’s often difficult to be aware of so many diseases and infections. Here are some less common but highly dangerous STDs:

• Scabies
• Chancroid
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Lymphogranuloma venereum

These are uncommon STDs, but 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 untreated.

The AFC Advantage

Don’t take a risk on your health, get tested today at AFC Broadway. We understand that your sexual health is a personal issue, which is why we keep your comfort in mind every step of the way. Our in-house labs will deliver your results in a timely and discreet manner.

We never want individuals to put off STD testing because of inconvenience, cost or discomfort, so we’ve made the process as smooth as possible. No need to call to schedule an appointment, walk-in any day of the week. Our clinic has extended, weekend and special holiday hours.

Don’t wait for the symptoms to kick in, get tested for STDs so you can remain healthy and avoid getting others sick.