Unprotected or protected sex, you are still at risk of contracting an STD or an STI. Yes, wearing a condom brings your protection level up, but you are still at risk. April is known as STD and STI awareness month because of the rise in unprotected sex and growing numbers of unwanted STD’s/STI’s.
Since STD’s and STI’s are very common, there are a good amount out there that you should be aware of so that you can avoid them or start treatment asap. An untreated STD or an STI can lead to serious consequences in the future. In some cases, it may potentially impact fertility.
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk understands that April is considered STD and STI Awareness month and testing is the most important thing you can do to know your status. But, testing and staying safe shouldn’t start and end in April. We encourage everyone who is sexually active to continue testing and practicing safe sex. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk has created a guideline to keep you aware and safe.
How Do I Contract An STD Or An STI?
STD’s are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STD’s do not show symptoms for a long time. You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. Some STD’s, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Common STDs and STIs To Be Aware Of
These are some of the sexually transmitted Diseases/infections we should be alert and look out for:
Bacterial Vaginosis: (BV) is a common, treatable, vaginal condition which can increase your chance of getting an STD.
Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a common, but treatable, STD. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a common STD that can be treated with the right medication. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause very serious health problems.
Syphilis: Syphilis can have very serious problems when left untreated. It is simple to cure with the right treatment.
Herpes: Genital herpes is a common STD, but most people with the infection do not know they have it. While there is no cure, there are medicines available that can
prevent or shorten outbreaks. These medicines also can make it less likely to pass the infection on.
Hepatitis - Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.
How Can I Protect Myself From Getting An STD?
Abstinence - The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).
Use Condoms - Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used.
Vaccination - Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV.
Reduce Number of Sex Partners - Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs.
Mutual Monogamy - Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you.
Avoid Sharing - sex toys, drinks, and other objects
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk Offers Confidential STD Testing
Summer flings are right around the corner. Walk-in any day of the week for CONFIDENTIAL STD screening and testing at AFC Urgent Care Norwalk. We’ll help give you peace of mind.
Our locations have in-house labs, so you’re able to get your results faster and are often less expensive than other clinics. You don't need to wait for an appointment, which is extremely important when it comes to STDs. Although we also offer them making it more convenient for your schedule and for a more discreet way to “check-in”.
You can also “check out” our new bill pay option, which can now pay your bill online
