Unsure if you have an STD? Visit our urgent care to see if you need to be tested. We are open daily and near you. Visit today!
In a community like Dalton, where people value their health and their neighbors, it’s easy to forget that some of the most important aspects of wellness aren’t always visible. Whether you’re cheering on the Catamounts on a Friday night or enjoying a stroll through Heritage Point Park, you deserve to feel confident in your health, and that includes your sexual health.
Many people don’t think about STD testing until there’s a problem, but the truth is: getting tested should be a regular part of staying well. So how do you know when it’s time?
Why Is STD Testing So Important?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are incredibly common, and many of them don’t cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages. Without testing, you might not know you have an infection until it’s already started to cause complications.
Getting tested protects your health and helps prevent spreading infections to others. Left untreated, STDs can lead to serious problems like:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infertility in both men and women
- Pregnancy issues or complications
- Higher risk of contracting HIV
- Chronic pain or organ damage
Regular testing allows for early treatment, which often makes infections easier to cure or manage.
When Should You Get Tested?
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to show up before getting tested. In fact, many people feel perfectly fine but still have an STD. Here are some signs and situations where testing is especially important:
If you have any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual discharge
- Pain or burning during urination
- Genital itching, irritation, or sores
- Pain during intercourse
- Flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or fever
But symptoms aren’t the only reason to get tested.
You Should Also Get Tested If:
- You’ve recently had unprotected sex. Condoms help, but they don’t protect against all types of STDs.
- You’ve started a new relationship. Testing gives both partners peace of mind before becoming sexually active.
- You’ve had more than one sexual partner. The more partners you’ve had, the more important it is to test regularly.
- You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some infections can affect your baby’s health, so testing is key.
- Your partner has tested positive. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may have contracted the infection too.
What About Long-Term Relationships?
Even in committed, long-term relationships, testing can still be important. If you and your partner never got tested at the beginning, it’s worth considering, especially if either of you had past partners. Life happens, and staying proactive about your health is never a bad idea.
What Happens During an STD Test?
AFC Dalton makes STD testing quick and comfortable. We know it might feel a little awkward walking in, but rest assured, our team is here to help, not judge. Your visit will be completely confidential, and most tests are fast and simple.
Depending on what we’re testing for, the process may include:
- A urine sample
- A blood test
- A swab of the throat, genitals, or rectum
- A brief physical exam if needed
Results usually come back within a few days. If you do test positive, many STDs are treatable with antibiotics or other medications, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Protecting Yourself and Others
In a city like Dalton, where the community feels like one big family, taking care of your sexual health is also about looking out for the people around you. By getting tested, you’re making a smart, responsible choice that benefits everyone.
And let’s face it, once you’ve got a clean bill of health, it’s easier to enjoy the fun things in life, like catching a local concert, heading to the Creative Arts Guild, or spending the weekend at Lakeshore Park without a lingering worry in the back of your mind.
Stop By AFC Dalton for Confidential STD Testing
Don’t wait for a symptom to pop up or a health scare to prompt you. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get tested, that’s already a sign it might be. At AFC Dalton, we offer walk-in STD testing that’s quick, private, and stress-free.
No appointments, no uncomfortable conversations, just straightforward care from medical professionals you can trust.
Take control of your health today. Stop by AFC Dalton for STD testing and walk out feeling confident and empowered.
