Confidential STD Testing in South Charlotte, NC

At AFC South Charlotte, we provide confidential STD testing and treatment in a comfortable, walk-in clinic to support your sexual health with privacy and care. Your sexual health matters, and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is an important part of taking care of yourself. Our trained medical team is here to help you with respect and discretion, and you can seek care any day of the week without an appointment.

Does AFC Urgent Care Offer STD Testing?

Yes. AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte offers confidential testing and treatment for a wide range of STDs. If you are sexually active, especially with more than one partner, routine screenings can help protect both your health and the health of those you care about.

We understand that conversations about sexual health can feel sensitive, which is why our providers handle each visit with respect and discretion. Our medical team will work with you to determine which tests are right based on your symptoms, risk factors, and health needs.

Our STD services are available on a walk-in basis, no appointment is needed. For more information, visit AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte or call us today.

How Are STDs Transmitted?

STDs can be spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and anyone who is sexually active can be at risk. The number of partners you’ve had, gender, or relationship status does not change your risk, unprotected sexual activity increases the chance of contracting an infection. Regular screening is recommended to maintain your health and prevent complications.

Most Common STDs

Some of the infections we frequently test for include:

• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Pubic Lice
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV

These are some of the more prevalent STDs, but more than 20 different infections can be transmitted sexually, which highlights the importance of testing.

Recognizing STD Symptoms

Many STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms, which means you may have an infection without knowing it. However, common signs may include:

• Pain during urination
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Itching or irritation of the genital area
• Sores or blisters on or near the genitals
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Bleeding between menstrual periods

If you notice any of these symptoms or believe you have been exposed to an STD, testing is the only way to know for sure.

Why Testing Matters

Routine STD testing plays a crucial role in protecting your long-term health. Some infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including infertility, chronic illness, and increased risk of certain cancers. Testing is also especially important if you’re planning a pregnancy, as some STDs can be passed to a baby during childbirth.

STD Treatment and Prevention

Protecting your health starts with staying informed. If you are sexually active, understanding how STDs are prevented, detected, and treated plays a key role in maintaining your overall well-being.

If you believe you may have been exposed to an STD, getting tested as soon as possible is essential. Some infections can progress and cause serious complications when left untreated. While not every STD has a cure, the majority can be effectively treated or managed with proper medical care. Treatment often includes antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the infection. That said, prevention remains the most effective approach.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

• Use condoms consistently during sexual activity
• Limit the number of sexual partners and consider STD screening before new sexual relationships
• Follow treatment plans if diagnosed, as certain therapies can reduce transmission risk
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV

Taking these steps can significantly lower your risk of infection and support long-term sexual health.

What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial STD spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Many people with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, which makes routine testing especially important. When symptoms do appear, they typically develop within one to three weeks and may include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Discomfort during sexual activity
• Lower abdominal pain
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles

Without treatment, chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive health issues and may be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. The infection is curable with antibiotics, and early treatment helps prevent complications.

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact and can affect the genitals, throat, rectum, eyes, or mouth. Many individuals do not notice symptoms, but when they occur, they may include:

• Painful urination
• Abnormal genital discharge
• Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
• Swelling of the testicles
• Genital itching or irritation

Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. If untreated, it can cause long-term health problems and may be transmitted to a baby during delivery, making testing especially important during pregnancy.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial STD that develops in stages and is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, but untreated syphilis can become severe.

Early stage: Small, painless sores may appear and often go unnoticed

Secondary stage: Skin rashes, sores, fever, fatigue, headaches, and body aches may develop

Latent stage: Symptoms may disappear, but the infection remains

In some cases, untreated syphilis progresses to advanced stages that can damage the brain, heart, and other organs. Symptoms of late-stage syphilis may include vision loss, paralysis, dementia, heart disease, or death. Early testing and treatment are critical.

What Is HIV? Is It the Same as AIDS?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if not properly managed. While there is currently no cure for HIV, modern treatments allow many people to live long, healthy lives and significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

HIV is most often spread through unprotected sexual activity but can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood, shared needles, or open wounds. Many people experience few or no symptoms initially. Early symptoms may resemble the flu and include:

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Rash
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

Long-term symptoms may include fatigue, chronic fever, headaches, or diarrhea. Ongoing medical care is essential for managing HIV and preventing progression to AIDS.

What Is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, commonly called “trich,” is caused by a parasite and spread through unprotected sexual contact. Many individuals do not experience symptoms, but when present, they may include:

• Abnormal genital discharge
• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Strong or unpleasant odor
• Pain during urination
• Discomfort during sex

Trichomoniasis is treatable with medication, and prompt testing helps prevent transmission.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 most commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, and can be passed even when symptoms are not visible.

Possible symptoms include:

• Painful blisters or sores
• Fever
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pain during urination

Although there is no cure, antiviral medications help manage outbreaks, reduce symptom severity, and lower the risk of spreading the virus to others.

What Are Pubic Lice?

Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are parasites that live in coarse body hair and spread through close physical or sexual contact. Symptoms may include:

• Intense itching in the genital area
• Visible lice or eggs attached to hair
• Small red bumps or sores caused by scratching

Treatment includes medicated creams or lotions, along with thorough cleaning of clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water to prevent reinfestation.

Is Hepatitis an STD?

Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. Of the five types, hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common in the United States.

• Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food or water
• Hepatitis B: Spread through bodily fluids and considered an STD
• Hepatitis C: Primarily spread through blood contact

Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice, though some people experience no symptoms at all. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C is curable with treatment, though no vaccine exists.

Less Common STDs

Some STDs are less well known but still pose serious health risks, including:

• Scabies
• Chancroid
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Lymphogranuloma venereum

Although less common, these infections can lead to complications such as infertility if not treated. Awareness and timely testing are key to prevention and treatment.

At AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte, we make STD testing straightforward, confidential, and accessible when you need it. Whether you are experiencing symptoms, seeking routine screening, or want peace of mind after possible exposure, our medical team is here to help with professional care and quick results. Walk in at your convenience or check in online to take a proactive step toward protecting your health and well-being.