STD Testing: Why Should You Consider Getting Yourself Tested?

Oct 03, 2022

Urgent Care

STD Testing: Why Should You Consider Getting Yourself Tested?

If you are sexually active, you might have heard repeatedly about why you should always use protection and get tested for STDs regularly. But what are sexually transmitted diseases, and what are the odds of getting affected by them?

STDs are bacterial infections that get passed on from one person to another if they share a sexual relationship. They can spread by skin-to-skin contact or by oral, vaginal, or anal sex. According to research, STDs continue to increase during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are more than twenty types of STDs, the most common ones being syphilis and gonorrhea. Other than these, there are other skin diseases that are caused by unprotected sex, like genital herpes and HIV/AIDS, etc. Due to all of this, it becomes imperative that you get tested for STDs. STD tests help you find out if you have been infected with any STDs. With the proper test, you can get the right treatment on time and prevent the spread of the disease.

How Do STDs Start?

Most STDs are caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact via blood, semen, vaginal, or other bodily fluids. However, there are times when these diseases are transmitted in a nonsexual manner. This may include the disease passing during a blood transfusion or shared needles, or through child labor. While it affects both men and women, the health concerns caused by STDs can be more severe for a woman, especially if she is pregnant, as it can cause health complications for the baby in the womb too.

What Are the Symptoms of STDs in Females?

According to research by WHO, almost 1 million pregnant women were estimated to be infected with STDs resulting in over 350000 adverse birth outcomes. Any kind of STD can be very painful and irritating. But some specific symptoms happen to women who can point to STDs. Here is a quick look at the different symptoms of STDs:

  • Any kind of unusual vaginal discharge
  • Sores on the genital parts or in the thighs and the buttocks
  • Pain and itching in the vagina and anus; there can also be swelling and tenderness with irritation in those areas
  • A burning sensation while peeing
  • Any kind of other symptoms like body aches, fever, fatigue, and swollen glands

However, it is also to be noted that all these symptoms are also common for other diseases like yeast infections and urinary tract infections. The only way to be sure about your infection is to get it tested for STDs.

Does Urgent Care Do STD Testing?

Yes, urgent care can also conduct STD testing. If you are looking for a precautionary STD check-up, you can visit an urgent care facility and get tested by an experienced physician. Many STDs can spread through body fluids, too, like semen, blood, or vaginal fluid. Since not all STDs show symptoms, getting tested periodically is always better to stay safe and free from such diseases.

Most STD urgent care clinics are less expensive compared to other private practices and hospitals. You may also benefit from the convenient hours presented by them, with which you will have a better chance to be seen at a convenient time.

Is STD Testing Covered by Insurance?

Some of the STDs do get covered for testing with your insurance policy under the Affordable Care Act. This includes STDs like HIV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia. Since all these falls under the preventive health benefits, they are covered by the insurance companies. However, whether your specific health plan covers STD testing depends on various factors like your age and gender, health conditions, risk factors, and whether you are pregnant.

Final Thoughts

It’s crucial to take care of your sexual health since it’s a significant part of your life and well-being. Don’t hesitate to visit a clinic for STD testing! With early and efficient testing, some STDs can be cured or treated, while the symptoms and effects of others can be reduced significantly. This will not only reduce discomfort but also shorten the treatment process.

StatMD Can Help You with STD Testing!

If you are doubtful about the symptoms of STDs or just want to get preventive STD testing done, do not hesitate to visit us at StatMD Urgent Care in Bakersfield, CA. We are one of the best walk-in STD clinics and offer quick and quality care for all our patients. The best thing about visiting us is that we offer very convenient timings so that you can manage your work and life while also getting tested and treated for STDs. Our professionals are prompt and experienced in handling all kinds of STDs; you can trust them to give you quick relief. Contact us today for more information.

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