STD Testing Nearby Ken Caryl, CO

AFC Urgent Care offers prompt & affordable STD testing. Walk into our clinic for a confidential visit & peace of mind – no appointment needed.

Does AFC Urgent Care Have STD Testing?

Yes. We provide confidential STD testing and treatment. If you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners, it’s important to get tested for STDs. Knowing your status can help protect your health, as well as the health of your partners.

We understand how crucial sexual health is and how difficult it can be to discuss. That’s why our medical team offers the utmost privacy and respect when it comes to STD testing. Here at AFC, sensitivity and consideration are some of the cornerstones of our care. We will walk with you every step of the way, and together we will find the right STD and STI tests for you.

All of our services are available on a walk-in basis. No need to schedule in advance, although using our online portal to save your spot will streamline your visit even more. If you suspect you might have an STD or STI, don’t hesitate to stop by our clinic.

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?

STDs are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Regardless of how many sexual partners you have had, your sexual orientation or your marital status, you are at risk of contracting an STD when you have sex. That’s why we recommend getting tested for an STD if you have been sexually active. It’s important to protect your long-term health by preventing and managing STDs.

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.

Do STDs Have Symptoms?

One challenge with STDs is that many people don’t notice any signs at all, making regular testing essential for detection.

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Burning or pain while urinating
• Itching or irritation of the penis, vagina, vulva or anus
• Sores or blisters on or near the genitals
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Bleeding between menstrual periods

If you think you might have an STD, the only way to know for certain is by getting tested and following your healthcare provider’s guidance. Practicing safe sex, using protection and scheduling routine screenings are the best ways to safeguard not only your health but your partner’s.

Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you’re sexually active, regular STD testing plays a key role in protecting your health. Many STDs don’t cause obvious symptoms, but if left untreated they can lead to long-term complications or be unknowingly passed to others. Testing is also especially critical if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, since certain infections can be transmitted during childbirth and may affect your baby’s health.

Our top-tier medical team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process and ensure you receive the right care and treatment when needed.

STD Treatment and Prevention

When it comes to your health, being informed is one of the best defenses. If you’re sexually active, understanding how to prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential.

If you suspect you may have an STD, don’t wait, get tested right away. Left untreated, some STDs can lead to serious complications. While not every STD can be cured, most can be effectively treated and managed with antibiotics or antiviral medications, allowing you to maintain a healthy life. Still, prevention is always the safer choice. Here are a few key steps:

• Use condoms regularly during sexual activity
• Limit sexual partners and get tested before starting a new relationship
• Take advantage of available vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV
• Follow your treatment plan if you’re diagnosed, which can help reduce the risk of passing it on to others

By practicing safe habits and staying proactive about testing, you can greatly reduce your risk of infection.

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 sensation while urinating
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• 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 healthcare provider.

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 highly recommended to get tested if you are pregnant.

Syphilis

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

During the first stage, small sores will appear on your genitals. You will likely not recognize them as syphilis symptoms, as they are painless and look much like ingrown hairs or harmless bumps. During the second stage, you will likely develop a rash and more sores on your genitals, anus and inside your mouth. You may also experience the following during the second stage of syphilis:

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

During the 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, which can lead to severe organ and brain damage. If you’re at risk for syphilis or have any of the symptoms, it’s vital that you get tested and seek treatment right away. The earlier syphilis is treated, the better. Some of the symptoms of the fourth stage of syphilis include:

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

If you think you may have syphilis, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

HIV and AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and illnesses. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a more advanced and serious condition. While there is currently no cure for HIV, modern treatments can effectively manage the virus and help prevent it from progressing to AIDS.

HIV is most often spread through unprotected sexual activity, but it can also be transmitted by contact with infected blood, sharing contaminated needles or exposure through open wounds. To reduce your risk, it’s important to choose medical facilities and service providers that follow strict safety protocols. For example, if you’re getting a piercing or tattoo, make sure sterile equipment is being used.

In many cases, people with HIV don’t notice symptoms for years. When they do appear, early signs may resemble the flu and include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Nausea

As the infection progresses, some individuals may develop ongoing issues such as:

• Persistent fatigue
• Chronic diarrhea
• Recurring fevers
• Frequent headaches

If you’re living with HIV, your healthcare provider can guide you on treatment options that reduce your risk of passing it to others, including sexual partners or babies during pregnancy. With proper care, many people with HIV are able to live long, healthy lives.

Trichomoniasis (Trich)

Trichomoniasis, commonly called “trich,” is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. It typically affects the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men. Many people with trich don’t notice symptoms, but when they do occur, they may include:

• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Unusual discharge
• Unpleasant odor
• Pain during sex
• Painful urination

The good news is that trich is treatable with medication. If you think you may have been exposed, getting tested is important so you can begin treatment quickly and prevent passing it to others.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two forms:

• HSV-1: Commonly linked to oral herpes, which causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.
• HSV-2: Usually causes genital herpes, marked by sores or blisters around the genitals.

Herpes spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity or sharing personal items like razors or towels. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Symptoms may include:

• Painful sores or blisters
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Body aches
• Pain when urinating

Some people never notice symptoms, or they may be so mild that they go overlooked. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can help shorten outbreaks, reduce how often they occur and lower the risk of passing the virus to others. People with herpes can also take steps to manage flare-ups by avoiding known triggers (such as stress or excessive sun exposure) and practicing safe sex.

It’s crucial to remember that herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs, which is why open communication with partners and consistent use of protection are key to prevention.

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice, often called “crabs,” are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair in the genital region. They spread through sexual contact or by sharing bedding, towels or clothing with someone who has lice. Signs of pubic lice include:

• Itching in the genital area
• Small red bumps or sores from scratching
• Visible lice or their eggs (nits) in the hair

Treatment usually involves over-the-counter or prescription lotions that kill both lice and eggs. It’s important to carefully follow treatment directions and apply the medication to all affected areas, including the pubic region, thighs and underarms. Washing clothes, bedding and towels in hot water and drying them on high heat will also help prevent re-infestation.

Regularly checking for lice after possible exposure and seeking prompt treatment if they’re found can help stop 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’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 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. The good news is hepatitis C is curable through treatment, though it may take several months.

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.

The AFC Advantage

At AFC Ken Caryl, our in-house testing ensures that your results return in a timely and discreet manner. We know how vital your sexual health is, which is why we offer STD testing at an affordable price. Your sexual health may seem like a personal issue, but you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Don’t take a risk on your health. Walk into our urgent care clinic for confidential and reliable testing when you need it most.