Having unprotected sex is one of the fastest ways to contract an STD or STI. In light of April being the month that brings awareness about the dangers of STD’s and STI’s, the message is very clear: brush up on your knowledge about the different types of diseases/infections, how to reduce your chances of contracting one and the importance of getting tested to know your status.
Regardless whether it’s April or not, we highly encourage year round testing and continuous sexual health education so that you can avoid STD’s and STI’s altogether!
AFC Urgent Care Springfield has answers to your common questions about STD’s and STI’s and important information about getting tested for them. We have created a guide to help you understand your risk factors while giving tips on how to prevent contracting an STD/STI.
Who Should Get Tested For STD’s And STI’s?
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.
The CDC states that the following people are most affected by STD’s and STI’s:
- Adolescents and people aged 15 - 24
- Gay, Bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
- Pregnant people
As you will see below, since 2016, Chlamydia has been the only STI that has dropped. The other three STIs have increased over the years.
- Chlamydia - 1.6 million cases; down 1.2% from 2016
- Gonorrhea - 677,769 cases; up 45% from 2016
- Syphilis - 133,945 cases; up 53% from 2016
- Congenital Syphilis - 2,148 cases; up 235% from 2016
What are the Most Common STD’s and STI’s?
There are a good number of them out there but these are some of the most common sexually transmitted infections/diseases you should be aware of:
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.
Watch Out For These Symptoms Of STD’s And STI’s
- Painful or frequent urination
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Sores or warts on the genital region
- Itching and redness in the genital region
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Abnormal vaginal odor
- Anal itching, soreness or bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
*Some of these symptoms may take longer to appear or not appear at all. That does not mean one should not get tested. It’s always advisable to get tested.*
AFC Urgent Care Springfield Offers Confidential STD And STI Tests
Visit AFC Urgent Care in Springfield, MA any day of the week for confidential STD and STI testing. We offer weekday hours from 8a-8p and weekend hours from 8a-5p making it easy for you to walk-in after work or school to get tested. No appointment is necessary!
Our locations have in-house labs, so you’re able to get your results faster and are often less expensive than at other clinics. Our providers can treat and write prescriptions, so if any medications are needed, you can pick them up where you choose, discreetly and conveniently.
We also offer a convenient bill pay option making it easier for you to “check out” once your appointment is over. Talk about urgent care made easy!
