North Colorado Springs STD Testing Near Me

Our walk-in urgent care offers discreet & comprehensive STD testing in the North Colorado Springs area. Visit us today, we’re open daily!

Is STD Testing Available at AFC Urgent Care? 

Yes, AFC urgent care of North Colorado Springs provides confidential STD testing and treatment. We understand that your sexual health is a sensitive topic, but it’s also an important one. For those who are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, it’s crucial that you get tested for STDs. Conducting regular STD tests will not only help protect your health, but the health of your partners. 

At AFC, we take sexual health very seriously. You can rest assured that our medical team will help guide you through the process every step of the way, with privacy and the utmost respect. Your care is our number one priority. 

Don’t risk your health; learn the status of your sexual health by walking into our clinic any day of the week. No need to schedule in advance, just visit AFC North Colorado Springs on N Academy for all-inclusive STD testing and lab 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 (typically unprotected sex). 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? 

Sexually transmitted diseases spread through sexual contact: 

• Vaginal sex 
• Oral sex 
• Anal sex 

It’s widely regarded that the number of sexual partners you have had, your sexual orientation, or marital status determines whether you get an STD. However, you risk contracting an STD any time you have sex. That’s why we recommend getting tested for an STD if you have been sexually active. You can protect your long-term health by preventing or 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

Most people do not experience symptoms of STDs, which can make them challenging to detect unless you’re regularly tested. However, those who do display signs of an STD, usually cite: 

• 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’re concerned that you may have an STD, getting tested is the first step toward recovery. The only way to know for sure is to get tested and follow the advice of your health care provider. It’s also important to practice safe sex, use protection and get tested regularly. 

Should I Get an STD Test? 

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STDs. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, avoiding treatment could have long-term, negative effects on your health or cause you to infect others. If you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby, it’s especially important to get tested. Some STDs can be passed on and cause significant health problems to babies during childbirth. 

Our clinic provides on-site STD tests so you can take control of your sexual health. And don’t worry, you won’t have to go through the process alone. Our experienced and compassionate team will assist you and answer any questions you may have about our STD services.  

How to Prevent and Treat STDs 

Preventing and treating STDs begins with knowledge and education. In order to effectively protect your health, you’ll need to learn how to prevent and treat STDs. If you suspect you may have an STD, get tested as soon as possible. Some STDs can become a serious threat to your health when left undiagnosed.  

The most traditional form of STD treatment is antibiotic or antiviral drugs. Keep in mind that not all STDs can be cured; however, almost all of them can be treated and managed to allow you to live a healthy life. However, prevention is always better than needing a cure. 

Consider the following methods for STD prevention: 

• 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 significantly reduce your risk of contracting an STD and safeguard your health. 

What Is Chlamydia? 

Chlamydia is one of the most frequently diagnosed STDs and is caused by a specific type of bacteria. It spreads through sexual activity, whether vaginal, oral or anal – and often goes unnoticed because many people never develop symptoms. When signs do show up, they typically appear within a few weeks of exposure. Possible symptoms can include: 

• A burning sensation when you urinate. 
• Discomfort during sex. 
• Pain in the lower abdomen. 
• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge. 
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles. 

Without treatment, chlamydia can lead to more serious complications and can also be passed to a baby during childbirth. The good news? It’s fully treatable with the right antibiotics. If you’re concerned you may have been exposed or want to learn more, reach out to your health care provider for guidance. 

What Is Gonorrhea? 

Gonorrhea is a widespread bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through sexual activity. The infection can affect several areas of the body, including the genitals, throat, mouth, eyes and anus. Many people never notice any symptoms, but when signs do appear, they might include: 

• Pain or discomfort when urinating. 
• Unusual discharge 
• Heavier or unexpected bleeding during or between periods. 
• Swelling or tenderness in the testicles. 
• Itching or irritation around the genital area. 

Although gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, delaying care can lead to lasting health complications. The infection can also be passed to a baby during delivery, making testing especially important for those who are pregnant. 

What is Syphilis? 

Syphilis is an interesting STD because it occurs in stages. It is another common bacterial infection that is spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex – often affecting your genital area and sometimes mouth. When caught early on, antibiotics can easily treat syphilis. However; if it goes untreated for too long, it poses a very big threat to your health.  

The stages of syphilis: 

Stage 1: Small sores resembling ingrown hairs or harmless bumps will appear on your genitals.  

Stage 2: More sores will appear on your genitals, anus and inside your mouth, along with a rash. Patients also experience fever, fatigue, headaches, weight loss, hair loss and other aches.  

Stage 3: The latent stage (no symptoms). For a small percentage of people (about 15%) who are not treated, the infection will progress into a fourth stage. 

Stage 4: This stage could lead to severe organ and brain damage. Other symptoms of stage four syphilis include: vision and/or hearing loss, dementia, paralysis, blindness, heart disease and death.  

Get tested and seek treatment immediately if you believe you are at risk of syphilis or are displaying any of the symptoms. The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated the more likely you are to avoid serious complications. 

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. 

HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual activity, but it can also be passed through touching infected bodily fluids, or coming in contact with a contaminated needle or 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 example, if you’re getting a body piercing, you should make sure that the facility is using sterile needles and other safety measures. 

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 an STI caused by a parasite that is passed through unprotected sex. It can affect the vaginal area in women and the urinary tract in men, and most people don’t experience any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include: 

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

We understand the importance of getting tested for trich if you think you may have contracted it. Trich can be treated with medication, so it’s important to get tested right away. We offer a range of STI testing services, so you can get tested quickly and easily. 

What is Herpes? 

Herpes is a long-lasting viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main strains: HSV-1, which most often leads to oral herpes and causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2, which more commonly results in genital herpes. Both types can appear in either area, depending on how the virus was transmitted. 

The virus spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, and can also pass from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth. Some people experience noticeable outbreaks, while others have very mild symptoms – or none at all. When symptoms do happen, they may involve: 

• Painful blisters or sores 
• Fever 
• Body aches 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Discomfort while urinating 

While there isn’t a cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage the condition by reducing outbreak frequency and shortening their duration. These treatments can also lower the chances of spreading the virus to others. 

Because herpes can still be transmitted when no symptoms are present, protective measures matter. Using condoms, avoiding the sharing of personal items (razors or towels), and recognizing personal triggers (stress or excessive sun exposure) can all help reduce the risk. It’s also important to be open with sexual partners so they can take steps to protect their own health. 

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. 

Treatment options for pubic lice include over-the-counter or prescription creams or lotions that kill the lice and their eggs. It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully and to treat all areas of the body where lice may be present, including 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 refers to inflammation of the liver and can develop for several reasons, including viral infections, heavy alcohol use and certain medications. There are five main types of hepatitis, but in the U.S., hepatitis A, B and C are the most common. 

Hepatitis B is classified as a sexually transmitted infection because it spreads through sexual contact. However, it’s important to note that all forms can be transmitted through sexual activity under certain conditions. Each strain spreads differently: 

• Hepatitis A typically spreads through contaminated food or water. 
• Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal fluids. 
• Hepatitis C is most often spread through direct blood exposure, commonly from shared needles. 

Symptoms can vary widely. Some people develop noticeable signs like fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), while others may have no symptoms at all. 

Vaccines offer strong protection against hepatitis A and B, making them the most effective prevention tools. While these two strains can’t be cured, antiviral treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading the virus. Hepatitis C currently has no vaccine, but the upside is that it is curable with modern treatment, though therapy can 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.