You’ve been noticing an unusual discharge or a burning sensation when you pee for the past few days. Naturally, you’re feeling worried, unsure, and maybe even hesitant about what to do next.

The truth is, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can show up with symptoms like these or sometimes, none at all. And if left untreated, they can lead to serious health issues like infertility, pelvic pain, or long-term complications.

If you don’t have a regular doctor or can’t wait weeks for an appointment, urgent care can be a reliable and confidential place to get tested for STDs/STIs.

At Family Urgent Care, Dr. Asrar Sheikh, board-certified consultant and lead provider, sees patients who are concerned about their symptoms and looking for answers.

In this blog, we’ll clear your doubts regarding how urgent care can help you diagnose STDs or STIs, what to expect and when you can get your results. Let’s cut to the chase!

Does Urgent Care Do STD Screening?

Yes, urgent care clinics like Family Urgent Care offer confidential, walk-in STD testing, diagnosis, treatment, and even follow-up care. 

You don’t need a referral from a primary care doctor or a private specialist to get started.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to confirm, our clinics are staffed with experienced providers who listen carefully, respect your privacy, and provide treatment options that fit your needs.

Not to mention, urgent care can also be more convenient than hospitals or private offices, with evening and weekend hours, shorter wait times, and the option to book telehealth visits for follow-ups or result discussions.

And remember, early STI testing and treatment can protect your fertility, prevent long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, and support your overall sexual health.

Remember! Early STI detection and treatment can significantly improve your sexual health, reduce infertility chances, and prevent further complications like pelvic inflammatory disease. 

When Can You Visit Urgent Care For an STD Test?

If you’re experiencing any changes that feel out of the ordinary, especially in your genital area, it’s a good idea to get tested. 

“Symptoms can vary from person to person”, adds Dr. Sheikh, but some common signs that may warrant a visit to urgent care include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Itching, irritation, or redness around the genitals
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Sores, blisters, or rashes near the mouth or genitals
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Foul-smelling discharge or odour after intercourse
• Swelling or tenderness in one or both testicles
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (in women)
• Fever or general flu-like symptoms
• Unexpected weight loss or fatigue
  

Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to know that many STDs don’t cause any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.

That’s why the CDC recommends that all sexually active individuals get tested at least once a year, even if they don’t have any noticeable symptoms.

What To Expect During an STD Test At Urgent Care?

When you come in for STD testing, here’s what typically happens:

1. A Quick Medical History

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, any medications you’re taking, and whether you’ve had STDs in the past.

2. A Basic Physical Exam

Depending on your symptoms, the provider may do a brief genital exam to check for signs like sores, discharge, or rashes. This is done only when necessary.

3. Testing Options (Based on Symptoms or Exposure)

Depending on what’s needed, your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

• Blood test: used to check for HIV, syphilis, and herpes. Just a quick blood draw—usually done on the spot or sent to a lab.
• Urine test: Commonly used to detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. You’ll be asked to provide a clean urine sample in a private restroom.
• Swab test: A gentle swab from the vagina, cervix, penis, throat, or anus may be taken, especially if there are visible sores or discharge. This helps detect infections like HPV, chlamydia, or herpes.
• Oral swab: If there’s concern about oral exposure, a quick swab from inside your mouth may be collected to test for certain STIs.

In rare cases, like if symptoms suggest a late-stage infection, your provider may recommend more specialized tests like a spinal tap. But this is uncommon.

When Can You Get STD Results?

In urgent care settings, the time of STD results is variable depending upon the specific test and the number of tests done on you. Generally, most urgent care centers offer rapid testing for STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea within a day or two. 

However, discussing the expectations with the healthcare provider during your visit is essential. 

Additionally, you can also contact the urgent care clinic on the phone and inquire about your STD test results easily. 

Once you have received your results, your healthcare provider in the urgent care clinic will make a personalized treatment plan and provide necessary health counselling to help you recover early from the disease.

How Can Family Urgent Care Help You Treat STDs or STIs?

If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms or need an urgent check for STDs, you can seek help at Family Urgent Care without any hesitation. 

Here’s how we help you relieve STD symptoms and improve your sexual health once you visit our urgent care facility:

1. STD/STI Testing and Diagnosis: We have experienced healthcare providers (board-certified experts, nurse practitioners) who assess your condition, considering your current symptoms, medical history, and possible risk factors. Then, we conduct various tests, which include blood tests, urine tests and swabs to confirm STDs.

2. Design a Treatment Plan: After the diagnosis of STI or STD is confirmed, our providers prescribe appropriate antibiotics, antivirals, or other adjuvant therapies to treat bacterial or viral sexually transmitted infections or diseases. 

3. Follow-Up Care: Our providers schedule follow-up appointments ,either physical or online, to monitor treatment progress, listen to any concerns or side effects, and conduct additional testing if necessary. You can also book a telehealth appointment for continuous care at Family Urgent Care. 

4. Give You Referrals: If you need specialized care or ongoing management for STD or STI at any stage of your treatment plan, our healthcare providers can refer you to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. 

All in all, Family Urgent Care plays a vital role in the timely diagnosis, management, and prevention of STDs/STIs, promoting sexual health and well-being within the community.

FAQs:

Can you get insurance for STD testing at urgent care?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover STD testing, especially if it’s medically necessary. However, coverage can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with both your insurance provider and the urgent care clinic before your visit.

What is the process of STD testing at urgent care?

It’s usually quick and private. First, a provider will ask about your symptoms and sexual health history. Then, they may perform a brief exam and order tests like bloodwork, a urine sample, or a swab, depending on your symptoms. Once results are back, they’ll create a treatment plan and may schedule a follow-up if needed.

What are the common types of STDs?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection is the most common STD in the US that causes irritation and discomfort around the genitals. Other common STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis,  Herpes, HIV and trichomoniasis, which mostly occur in sexually active people. 

Will I need to wait to get tested for STD at urgent care? 

Yes, the average waiting time at an urgent care clinic is 15 to 30 minutes. But it depends on the number of patients and the complexity of each case. 

What if I leave STDs untreated?

Untreated STDs can lead to serious complications like infertility, congenital birth defects in babies, and an increased risk of cancer, HIV  and neurological manifestations, including loss of vision and hearing, difficulty walking and dementia. Although some STDs might be asymptomatic, they can still cause fatal infections in your body. 

What can increase the risk of getting STDs?

Some of the main factors that can increase your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases are having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sex. Other risk factors include not having HPV or Hepatitis A or B vaccine and having a weak immune system. 

How can you prevent STDs or STIs?

You can prevent STDs or STIs by taking some proactive steps, such as practicing abstinence and getting yourself vaccinated against STDs or STIs like HPV and Hepatitis B. For sexually active people, doctors recommend using appropriate condoms during sexual intercourse. Also, the main precaution to prevent STDs is open communication about sexual health and limiting sexual partners. Also, avoid sharing needles and do regular health check ups to ensure early detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow up care.