Kingwood STD Testing Near Me

Need confidential STD testing in Kingwood, TX? Visit our urgent care for all-inclusive testing & treatment for STD & STIs – we’re open daily!

Does AFC Kingwood provide STD testing?

Yes, AFC Urgent Care offers discreet STD and STI testing and treatment. For those who are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, getting tested for STDs is important. Knowing the status of your health can not only protect you, but also the health of your partners. Your sexual health is important, but we understand that it can be difficult to talk about. That’s why you can trust our compassionate staff to give you the care you deserve. AFC was founded on the privacy and respect of our patients.

Our expert team will help determine which tests are appropriate for you. Visit AFC Urgent Care on Kingwood Drive any day of the week for STD testing. No appointment is necessary, walk-in anytime you need confidential testing services.

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. Depending on the STD, treatment may be available through medication, whereas other types of STD have no cure and can lead to long-term health issues if left undiagnosed.

How do you get an STD?

STDs are infections spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. When you engage in sex you risk contracting an STD, regardless of how many sexual partners you have had, your sexual orientation or your marital status. That’s why we recommend getting tested for an STD if you have been sexually active. Safeguard 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.

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. It’s difficult to detect STDs because most people do not experience symptoms while they have an STD. This means regular testing plays a more vital role in protecting your sexual health. For those who do experience symptoms, common signs 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 that you might have an STD, getting tested is crucial. The only way to confirm or give yourself peace of mind is through testing. Practicing safe sex, using protection and getting tested regularly will only benefit your health and the health of your partners.

Do I need to get tested for STDs?

We highly encourage anyone sexually active to get tested for STDs. While you may have no symptoms, pro-longing treatment may negatively affect your future health or cause you to infect others. If you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby, it’s especialy important to get tested. Certain STDs can be passed on and cause significant health problems to babies during childbirth. 

At AFC Kingwood, we offer comprehensive STD 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.

STD treatment and prevention

Protecting your health starts with being informed and educated. That’s why – if you’re sexually active – it’s valuable to know how to prevent and treat STDs.

If you think you may have an STD, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. If left untreated, some STDs can become detrimental to your health. Although every STD cannot be cured, many can be treated and managed to allow you to live a healthy life. Whether it’s an antibiotic or an antiviral drug, treatments are available for almost every STD. However, prevention is always preferred. Here are some methods to 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.

By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and 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 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 health care provider.

What is Gonorrhea?

This type of STD is a very serious and common bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. Gonorrhea grows on your genitals, throat, mouth, eyes or anus – and often never displays symptoms. But if you do see signs, they may include: 

• Painful urination.
• Abnormal discharge.
• Excessive bleeding during periods or between periods.
• Swollen testicles.
• Itching around the genitals.

Fortunately, Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, this STD 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?

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.

Stage One: Small painless sores will appear on your genitals. Generally, patients do not recognize them as syphilis symptoms because they are similar to ingrown hairs or harmless bumps. 

Stage Two: A rash and more sores develop during this stage; typically around your genitals, anus and inside your mouth. Additional symptoms of stage two syphilis include:

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

Stage Three: The latent stage, expect no symptoms at all. But for about 15% of people who don’t get treated, the infection progresses to a fourth stage.

Stage Four: A critial stage where untreated syphilis can lead to severe organ and brain damage. Other symptoms:

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

Testing and treatment for syphilis is vital. The earlier it’s treated the better. If you think you may have syphilis or are at risk for syphilis don’t hesitate to talk to your provider about your symptoms and get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment is available at our walk-in urgent care clinic.

What is HIV? Is HIV the same as AIDS?

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. At the moment, there is no cure for HIV, but there are ways to manage it and help prevent it from progressing to AIDS.

This STD is generally spread through unprotected sexual activity, but it can also be transmitted by touching infected bodily fluids, contaminated needles or an open wound. If you’re fearful about contracting HIV, it’s wise to do more research and find a doctor’s office, hospital or medical center with the right safety protocols in place. For instance, anyone getting a tattoo should ensure that the facility is utilizing sterile needles and implementing other safety features.

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 significantly reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners or a baby during pregnancy. And by taking the right steps, 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 commonly affects the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men. While most people do not experience any symptoms, those who do experience:

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

We understand the importance of getting tested for trich, especially if you suspect you may have contracted it. It can be medicated which is why getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you are suffering from trich. AFC offers a range of STI testing services, so you can get tested quickly and easily.

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 (such as 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, are also referred to as crabs. These are small, wingless insects that live on the skin and hair of the genital area. Similar to other types of STDs and STIs, pubic lice is contracted through sexual contact or close contact with infested clothing or bedding. Signs of pubic lice:

• Itching in the genital area.
• Visible lice or nits (eggs) on the hair.
• Small red bumps or sores on the skin.

In extreme situations, infection can set in due to severe scratching. Fortunately, pubic lice can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription creams or lotions that eliminate the lice and kill their eggs. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the package and treat all areas of the body where lice may be present. These areas could include the pubic area, thighs and underarms. 

In addition, 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, it is important to seek treatment immediately to prevent 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.

The most dangerous strains are hepatitis A and B – and the best form of prevention is vaccination. Hepatitis A and B remain incurable, but there are antiviral medications available to treat the symptoms and reduce transmission to others. On the other hand, hepatitis C is curable after a few months of treatment, but there is no vaccine. 

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 STDs are less common, 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.