Grand Junction STD Testing Near Me

Visit our walk-in urgent care clinic for discreet & professional STD testing. AFC offers a wide range of lab services for the Grand Junction area.

Is STD testing offered at AFC Urgent Care?

Yes, if you’re sexually active, AFC Grand Junction provides confidential STD testing and treatment. Getting tested for STDs is important, especially if you have multiple partners. When you know the status of your sexual health you’re not only protecting yourself, but also the health of your partners. We get it – sexual health is an uncomfortable topic. At AFC, two of the things we value most are privacy and respect. That’s why you can trust our medical team to provide you with compassionate and confidential care. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.

We believe health care should be accessible for everyone, which is why our STD and STI testing services are available on a walk-in basis. Don’t worry about scheduling in advance, just walk in whenever you need peace of mind. For more information about our STD testing and treatment services, please visit AFC Urgent Care on Independent Avenue.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

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?

When you have sex, you risk contracting an STD. Despite how many sexual partners you have had, your marital status or sexual orientation – STDs are infections that spread through sexual contact (vaginal, oral and anal sex). That’s why it’s essential for anyone engaging in sexual activity to be regularly tested for STDs. Our testing services can help guide your next steps, whether that’s continued STD prevention or treatment. You can safeguard your health by practicing safe sex, using protection and getting tested regularly.

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 symptoms of an STD

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by either bacteria, viruses or parasites, and are generally contracted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. Many people will not exhibit symptoms of an STD, making them hard to detect and dangerous to have. That’s why routine testing is suggested.

Those who do experience STD symptoms commonly suffer from:

• 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.

Concerned you might have an STD? Get tested and receive clear and accurate results. Don’t risk your health or the health of your partners, get tested today.

Is STD testing necessary?

The bottom line is, if you’re sexually active, you should get tested. While you may not be experiencing symptoms, avoiding a diagnosis and treatment could have long-term negative effects on your health or cause you to infect others. Some STDs can be passed on to babies during childbirth, causing significant health problems. So if you’re pregnant or plan to have a baby, it’s crucial you get tested for STDs.

At AFC, we offer comprehensive STD and STI testing services to help you take control of your sexual health. Our experienced and caring team is here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the testing and treatment you need.

Preventing and treating STDs

If you’re sexually active, you should know the risks – that means learning how to prevent and treat STDs.

Suspect you might have contracted an STD? It’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Certain STDs can pose a serious threat to your health if left undiagnosed. Unfortunately, not every STD can be cured, but almost all of them can be treated and managed to allow you to live a healthy and normal life. Typical STD treatment involves prescribed antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

However, prevention is always better than needing a cure. When preventing STDs consider:

• Use condoms during sex.
• Limit your sexual partners and always get screened for STDs before having sex; there are some 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.

You can significantly reduce your risk of contracting or spreading an STD by following these AFC suggestions.

What is Chlamydia?

This is a common STD caused by a bacterial infection. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, oral or anal sex. After contracting chlamydia, you may experience symptoms, but it usually takes one to three weeks. Although symptoms are typically not present, 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 chlamydia is not treated, serious health issues may result later on. This type of STD can also be passed from mother to baby during birth. The good news is chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Contact your health care provider if you suspect that you may have chlamydia.

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 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 important to get tested if you are pregnant.

What is Syphilis?

This STD is another common bacterial infection that occurs in stages. Syphilis is spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex and targets your genital area and occasionally your mouth. It can easily be treated with antibiotics – if caught early on. On the other hand, syphilis can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Stage One: Small sores that look similar to ingrown hairs or harmless bumps will appear on your genitals. These bumps are minor and generally difficult to recognize.

Stage Two: This stage is when syphilis is most easy to diagnose. You will likely develop a rash and more sores on your genitals, anus and inside your mouth. Other signs of stage two syphilis:

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

Stage Three: Most people cite no symptoms during this stage.

Stage Four: Unfortunately, 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. Other symptoms people experience during stage four syphilis:

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

The earlier syphilis is treated the better. If you think you may have syphilis, don’t hesitate to talk to your primary care provider about your symptoms and get tested. Syphilis is a serious STD that can have lasting complications if not treated right away.

What is HIV? Is HIV the same as AIDS?

HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system, causing serious damage and leaving you vulnerable to a range of illnesses and infections. AIDS is the same as HIV, but it’s a more advanced and serious form of it. Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but there are ways to manage it and help prevent it from progressing into AIDS. 

This STD is known for spreading through unprotected sexual activity; however, it can also be transmitted by touching 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 instance, if you plan on getting a tattoo, be sure the facility is abiding by all safety measures and using sterile needles.

It’s common for people infected with HIV to experience no symptoms for a long time. 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

Talk with your primary care provider about the best ways to manage HIV if you’re living with it. Proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners or a baby during pregnancy. When the right precautions are taken, you can still lead a long and healthy life with HIV. 

What is Trich or Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is not an STD. Instead, trich is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite that is passed through unprotected sex. Trich is the most nonviral STI in the world. It affects the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men. It’s uncommon for people to experience symptoms from trich, but if they do occur expect:

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

If you think you may have contracted trich, it’s important you get tested. Fortunately, trich can be treated with medication, which is why an early diagnosis is key. At AFC Grand Junction, we offer a range of STD and STI tests. We’re your one-stop-shop for affordable lab services. 

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, which is characterized by cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which is characterized by sores or blisters on or around the genitals.

Herpes is highly 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 transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Symptoms of herpes may include:

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

Some people may not have any symptoms at all, or symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can be 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. In addition, 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.

Preventing the spread of herpes is important because the virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms. 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.

You can expect treatment for pubic lice to involve over-the-counter or prescribed creams or lotions that kill the lice and their eggs. Always be sure to follow the steps on the package carefully and treat all areas of the body where lice may be hidden – this includes the pubic area, thighs and underarms. Remember to wash all clothing, bedding and towels in hot water and dry on high heat to eliminate any remaining lice or eggs. Check for lice and nits regularly, especially if you’ve had sexual contact or close contact with an infected individual. Seek prompt treatment if lice are found. 

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 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 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

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 lesser-known 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.