Take Charge of Your Health with Regular Testing for Venereal Diseases
Although sexual health is an integral part of our overall well-being, it is often overlooked due to the stigma associated with sexual issues. Basically, these are STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) or STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) that can spread through sexual contact and affect sexually active individuals across all age groups.
Due to the social stigma associated with these infections, it might be uncomfortable to open up about the symptoms, testing and treatment options. However, it is still crucial to understand these venereal diseases and get tested regularly at your nearest urgent care clinic to safeguard your health and the health of your partners as well.
No substitute for regular testing
Most STDs and STIs do not cause symptoms in affected individuals, leading them to go on with their lives and unknowingly pass on the infection to their sexual partner/s. Even in the absence of any symptoms, you must get tested at regular intervals to keep a tab on your sexual health. Urgent care clinics offers rapid testing facilities, enabling you to get your test results on the same day. The earlier these diseases are detected, the better are your chances of preventing complications and recovering well with precise venereal disease treatment.
Common STDs, symptoms, testing and treatment
Now here is a look at the most common STDs and STIs in the United States, how to identify symptoms (if any), ways to get tested and general treatment methods.
1) Chlamydia
This is the most common STI that is often asymptomatic, but may sometimes display symptoms such as:
• Pelvic pain
• Painful urination
• Unusual and foul-smelling discharge from genitals
Testing for chlamydia involves a urine test or swab of the genital area. It can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics. However, if left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and ectopic pregnancies in women and infertility issues in men.
2) Gonorrhea
The symptoms of this venereal disease are similar to that of chlamydia with some affected individuals experiencing:
• Painful urination and abnormal discharge
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain
A swab of the genital area or urine sample will be required for testing for gonorrhea. If you test positive, you may be prescribed antibiotics. Not treating gonorrhea may lead to infertility issues, PID and aggravation to drug-resistant strains.
3) Syphilis
This infection progresses through stages with symptoms starting with rashes or sores and worsening to organ damage at advanced stages. Urgent care clinics offer blood tests to detect syphilis infection. If detected early, the condition can be effectively treated with penicillin.
4) Herpes
This infection causes symptoms that include:
• Painful sores in the genital area
• Blisters in the oral area
Your healthcare provider may need a blood sample or a swab from the sore for the testing process. The disease can be managed with antiviral medications that help control symptoms and reduce outbreaks. Leaving it untreated can result in recurrent outbreaks and possible transmission to partners.
5) HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
The early symptoms of HIV resemble those of flu, leading most affected individuals to dismiss the symptoms as flu. Urgent care clinics offer blood tests to detect the presence of HIV antibodies. With antiretroviral therapy (HIV) the infection can be managed and prevented from progressing to AIDS. Without venereal disease treatment, the immune system can be severely compromised, leading to opportunistic infections.
Get tested regularly
Urgent care clinics are the most convenient options for testing for STDs and STIs. Without appointments or lengthy waiting periods, you can walk in and get tested in minutes. Thanks to their policy of confidentiality, all your details and test results will be kept confidential. The experienced healthcare professionals in urgent care clinics are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of venereal diseases in addition to offering proper guidance. Schedule your STD/STI screening today to take the first step towards a safer, healthier future.
