Confidential STD Testing Q&A
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is crucial for maintaining sexual health. Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, preventing long-term health issues and stopping the spread to others. If you think you may have an STD or are currently sexually active and haven’t been tested, don’t be embarrassed to visit our team of healthcare professionals at Reddy Urgent Care. For more information, contact us. Walk-in visits are welcome. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bixby Knolls Long Beach, Downtown Long Beach, and Paramount, CA.
Table of Contents:
How do you test for STDs?
What do STD tests check for?
How soon can you see symptoms of an STD?
Whether you are sexually active, have recently engaged in unprotective sex, or are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, it’s incredibly important to get tested. You can get tested at your family doctor, an STI clinic, or an urgent care center. Reddy Urgent Care has offices near Long Beach, CA, and Paramount, CA, that can help you practice safe sex. This starts with testing!
Our doctors are to have 20+ years of experience and can assure you’ll get the proper sexual health care everybody deserves. If this is your first time getting tested or if you simply have questions about confidential STD testing, you have come to the right place. Below is a small Q&A on STD testing that will hopefully help you fully understand the testing process!
How exactly you test for an STD will be dependent on what type of infection you’re looking for. Common testing processes include blood tests, urine tests, swabs, and visual examinations.
Blood Test
Blood tests are used to screen for syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Your doctor will use a very small, relatively painless needle to extract a small vial of blood. They will then send it to a lab where it will be further examined for the previously stated STDs. Your blood test results may take one to two weeks to get back to your doctor. If the results come back negative, you won’t need a follow-up appointment.
Urine Test
Urine tests can screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea; two very common and easily treated sexually transmitted infections. Drink fluids before you go and get tested, because you of course will need to pee in a small container. The container of urine will then be sent to a lab for further testing which takes around one week for results.
Swab
Swab tests are used for herpes, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. Your doctor will use a thin, long swab to test your throat, anus, or vagina. The process of lab testing and getting results back takes about a week. Ask your healthcare provider beforehand if you will be contacted for negative results or if you will only be contacted if they come back positive,
Visual Examination
A visual examination can be used to diagnose genital warts, sores, lesions, and crabs. Your doctor will ask you to lay down so that they can visually inspect your genitals for any abnormalities.
STD tests check for the following diseases and infections:
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• HIV
• Herpes
Symptoms of an STD can appear a few days or even a few years after initial exposure. That’s why it’s so important to get tested frequently! You can unknowingly transfer infections from partner to partner without showing any symptoms. If you are showing symptoms they may include the following:
• Unusual discharge or bleeding
• Sores, bumps, lesions, and warts
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash or red patches
• Abnormal odorous discharge
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Itchy genitals
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Swollen or sore throat
Sexual healthcare is absolutely essential. The doctors at Reddy Urgent Care believe every person who walks through our doors deserves high quality, professional care, and respect. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, Downtown Long Beach CA, Paramount CA, Lakewood CA, Rossmoor CA, Carson CA, Bellflower CA, Lynwood CA, Norwalk CA, and surrounding areas.
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