Sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common, and the numbers are growing every year. As a matter of fact, we saw a big spike of STD’s and STI’s over the last 3 years during the COVID pandemic.
Even though an STI is a sexually transmitted “infection” and an STD is a sexually transmitted “disease,” most people refer to STD as both STI’s and STD’s.
An STD or an STI can be passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Sometimes, symptoms are visible while sometimes a person may not show symptoms for months! This makes STD’s and STI’s a serious threat because of the risk of not knowing and increasing the spread to others.
This is why getting tested for STD’s/STI’s is important if you are planning on having sex. If you receive a positive STD or STI diagnosis, know that most are treatable or can be managed. Also note that all of our STD testing is confidential.
Since April is STD and STI awareness month, AFC Urgent Care Vernon is here to tell you and provide some information about STD’s and STI’s. We understand the stigma and embarrassment an STD or an STI may cause, we get it. But. your health is important to us. If an STD or an STI is ignored or left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your body.
Know Your STD/STI!
As we’ve mentioned above, STD’s and STI’s are very common and because they are very common, there’s quite a lot of them. These are some of the sexually transmitted diseases/infections we should be aware about:
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.
*In some cases, symptoms may not appear. It’s advisable to get tested when no symptoms are present.*
CDC Published STD and STI Statistics
The CDC has stated the following four STD/STI statistics:
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
Reminder: one can have an STD/STI without any symptoms. Prevention is very crucial. Here are some ways you can prevent STD’s/STI’s:
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.
Abstinence - The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).
Vaccinations - 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 STD’s.
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.
Confidential STD and STI Testing at AFC Urgent Care Vernon
Come visit AFC Urgent Care in Vernon and get a confidential STD and STI test. We’re aware of the stigma and pressure these sorts of tests may come with, but testing gives you knowledge of your status when meeting a new partner or making sure your relationship is STD free. We assure you, all STD/STI screenings are confidential.
We offer weekday hours from 8a-8p and weekend hours from 8a-5p for walk-ins. You can also make an appointment, too! And….now you can pay online, right through our website
