STD Testing at CareLife Medical
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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 Americans has an STD, making it a relevant and current issue in today’s health landscape. While it’s important to take conscious actions to prevent transmission, identifying these issues is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
That’s why getting regular STD tests is one of the best ways to take care of yourself and those you share intimacy with. At CareLife Medical, our discreet and understanding staff will conduct comprehensive plans for assessing your sexual health as well as the right guidance in case you test positive in any of them.
What is STD Testing?
STD testing involves a variety of medical tests that are used to identify and diagnose sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs and STIs). It’s important to regularly get these tests, as they can catch these infections in the early stages and even before they develop symptoms.
What Are Common STD Symptoms?
Some common signs that you might have contracted an STD are:
- Irritation
- Soreness
- Abnormal discharge
- Pain during urination
- Bumps in your genitals or mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes around the groin
- Fever
However, these might vary depending on the specific disease, and some even can be asymptomatic like some cases of chlamydia or gonorrhea.
What STD Tests Can I Get at CareLife Medical?
STD testing generally is a comprehensive assessment that screens for several diseases at once, including:
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- HPV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
How Will My STD Test Be?
At the beginning of your appointment, your medical professional will ask questions about your sex life and any possible warning signs. While we understand this might be a sensible topic for many, rest easy knowing that our team is experienced, empathetic, and discreet.
Depending on your plan and the diseases you are getting tested, you will get a blood draw, a swab, a urine test, or all three. On the other hand, if you have any visual symptoms like rash or warts, your provider will make a visual examination.
Most of the time, results come back after two or three business days. In case you test positive in any, you will receive the necessary guidelines.
Should I Get an STD Test?
Generally speaking, each time you get a new sexual partner or if you recently had unprotected intercourse, you should get a round of STD testing. On the other hand, if you are sexually active but don’t fall into any of these previous categories, it is still recommended to get tested once a year.
Most importantly, if you suspect you might have contracted an STD or are showing symptoms, you must schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
More Common Questions on STD Testing
Do I need to prepare for an STD test?
Most STD tests do not need any type of previous preparation, but some might require avoiding urinating or engaging in certain activities hours before. Make sure to ask your provider when making your appointment.
Are STD tests confidential?
Yes, at CareLife medical our discreet team will make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way and handle your results with privacy and confidentiality.
What will happen if I test positive?
In case you test positive in any STD test, your healthcare provider will guide you accordingly on next steps for treatment and prevention.
Get Your STD Testing Done at CareLife Medical
There is no shame in taking care of your body and shared intimacy. At CafeLife Medical, our team will receive you with care and confidentiality.
Our belief in building strong alliances with our patients guides our highly personalized and comprehensive internal medicine and primary care services. Through collaborative care and years of experience, we work together to develop treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of our patients.
Find us at our Church Falls, Virginia location, where we accommodate patients looking for personalized, close attention regarding STD testing and improved sexual health.
In line with our ethos to treat everyone in the community, we accept Medicare and Medicare patients as well as perform medical examinations for immigration purposes.