Since April is STD and STI awareness month, It’s a great opportunity to take the time to brush up on your sex education. As overwhelming as it may seem, the last thing you want is to have an untreated STD and STI that could potentially become a serious health issue in the near future. You also don’t want to be the reason for an outbreak of an STD or STI; they are very transmittable!
AFC Urgent Care West Springfield wants everyone to be more conscious about practicing safe sex, knowing more about STD’s and getting tested at our center to know your status! We have created a guide to inform you on the array of possible most common sexually transmitted infections/diseases, and to give you some tips in preventing these unwanted STD’s and STI’s.
Symptoms Of STD’s And STI’s Can Sneak Up On You
Here are some of the common STD’s and STI’s 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.
We mentioned earlier that STD’s/STI’s are sneaky; sneaky due to the stealth they have in showing symptoms. Sometimes, you may not display symptoms for a very long time, but if you start to feel “different” down there, be on the lookout for the following warning signs:
- 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
Reminder: some symptoms may not appear right away, or at all. If you do not have any symptoms, it is still important to get tested.
Should I Get Tested For STD’s And STI’s Even Though I Don’t Feel Any Symptoms?
How often should you get tested for STD’s and STI’s? If you’re sexually active, you should be getting tested regularly regardless if you’re practicing safe sex or are with one partner.
The CDC recognizes that certain demographics are at high risk of contracting STD’s and STI’s over others:
- All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
- All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
- Everyone who is pregnant should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy.
- All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested
Get Yourself Tested And Treated For STD’s and STI’s At AFC Urgent Care West Springfield
STD testing at AFC Urgent Care West Springfield is quick, convenient and confidential making us the best place to go to for your STD testing/screening needs. Our providers are very knowledgeable, discreet and professional when it comes to questions about STD questions. We can treat and prescribe medications if needed. We even offer a discreet way for you to pay your bill online so that you can “check out” as soon as your appointment is over.
We are open 7 days a week and offer extended hours on the weekday from 8am-8pm and weekend hours from 8am-5pm for you to walk-in for STD testing.
Always here for our friends and families of the West Springfield communities
