Sometimes there are things in life that you have to go through even if it's the last thing you want to do. If you've had the unfortunate displeasure of contracting a sexually transmitted disease then you're aware of the social stigma that comes with it. The main goal is to get treated as discretely as possible, and in some cases, that can be hard to accomplish. However, if you believe you might have an STD then there are many options out there for testing and treatment. Urgent care facilities and walk in health clinics are quick and convenient places to get fast STD testing.
Many STDs don't show symptoms right away and can go untreated for a long period of time. Even if you do experience STD symptoms initially, they can actually disappear only to resurface later on. The only way to be sure is to get yourself tested. There are signs of different STDs to watch out for, however, that may indicate that you have one:
- Sores, bumps, or other small bulges around your genital area, thighs, or posterior
- Unusual or discolored discharge
- Burning sensations when you urinate or the need to urinate more frequently than normal
- Pain, irritation, itching, or swelling in your genitals or anal region
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, fatigue, or body aches
- Pain during intercourse (for women)
This list is not exhaustive, and any unusual occurrences in your genital area or abnormal bodily behavior such as rectal bleeding or discharge could also be signs of a possible STD. If you are unsure whether you have an STD, the best option is to get yourself tested at a medical center as soon as possible. However, if you are incapable of going to a facility for whatever reason, there are STD testing kits that you can order that make STD testing at home possible.
You should always try to seek professional medical care in these situations, though, to try to get the most accurate diagnosis and treatment available. If you're concerned about how long the testing takes, many urgent care facilities offer fast STD testing through their laboratory services. Urgent cares are extremely efficient and reputable and can usually be less expensive than emergency services. The average ER visit costs a total of $1,318 while the mean cost is $615, according to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
Check with your local urgent care to see if fast STD testing is available.
