Confidential STD Testing Center
Being concerned about your sexual health is not something to be shy about, especially if you are concerned about the possibility of infection. As hard as it may be, speaking to a doctor is the safest and best course of action. The more honest you are with your doctor, the better the care and treatment you will receive.
For confidential and private STD testing, come to Total Care Medical Centers. Call us today to book an appointment.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more generally, are very common in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 68 million Americans are living with STIs. This number is probably much higher in reality as many cases go unreported, and sometimes untreated.
A sexually active person is advised to get tested for STIs, especially if:
• You are starting a new relationship
• You and your partner are considering not using condoms
• Confirmed or suspected infidelity in a relationship
• If you are seeing multiple partners
• If you are displaying symptoms of an STI or STD
To learn which STD you should be tested for, you are encouraged to talk to your doctor, and they may suggest being tested for one, or more.
Some common STDs and STIs that people get tested for include:
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Scabies
• Lice in the pubic area
• Viral hepatitis
• Bacterial vaginitis
• Zika virus
There are also online and at-home STD testing kits available. However, these are not always reliable, and it’s always recommended to confirm whether a test is FDA approved. Herpes is also commonly tested for STD, however, it’s not typically recommended to get tested for herpes unless you are aware of likely exposure.
What are the symptoms of an STD?
Many STIs and STDs can have non-specific symptoms, or no symptoms at all. If left untreated STIs and STDs can lead to severe health problems, including infertility and cancer. Being tested is the only way to know for sure if you’ve contracted an STI or STD.
That being said, some of the more common symptoms of an STI or STD include:
• Pain when urinating
• Discharge from penis, vagina, or anus
• Lumps on the skin around the genitals or anus
• Itching around the anus or genitals
• Blisters, warts, or sores around genitals or anus
• Rash
• Vaginal bleeding
• Warts in the mouth or throat (very rare)
What are the treatment options for STDs?
Treatments and outcomes depend on the specific infection being treated, though most conditions have treatments available that will reduce the symptoms and progression of the infection. For example, medications can help limit the severity and frequency of genital herpes outbreaks and reduce the risk of passing the virus, but it does not cure herpes. Treatment options for many STDs and STIs generally consist of a single dose or course of antibiotics, which can cure many parasitic infections and sexually transmitted bacteria.
All STD tests are 100% confidential
All information shared with a medical professional is both private and confidential, including any medical test results. However there are several STIs that are considered notifiable diseases, and your doctor is legally obligated to report any positive STI test results to the federal government. The NIH and CDC track information about STDs and STIs to inform public health initiatives.
Examples of notifiable STIs include:
• Chancroid
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Syphilis
Total Care Medical Centers offer a vast range of specialist services for you and your family, including testing for STDs and STIs. Our team of friendly and caring medical professionals and staff are here to provide the best care you and your family deserve. Call or visit our website to arrange an appointment or private and confidential consultation.