According to recent estimates of sexual disease transmission, approximately 1 in 6 people are living with a sexually transmitted disease, or STD. Left untreated, an STD can quickly get worse, with the potential for long-term peripheral issues and complications. If you’re living with a chronic condition, it may exacerbate the STD or vice versa if it isn’t caught and treated early.
At Family Urgent Care, Asrar Sheikh, MD and Teofilo Vinluan, MD and our staff of compassionate professionals know that periodic STD testing is the best way to stay on top of your sexual health, which is why we offer STD testing and guidance.
If you’ve been sexually active — whether your activity has been casual or you’ve been with a steady partner for years — it’s important to get tested. Abstinence is the only way to guarantee that you won’t be infected with an STD, but abstinence isn’t a reasonable expectation for everyone. Instead, we want you to be safe, make good decisions, and allow us the opportunity to help you in your time of need.
If you’re single
Whatever your relationship status, anything that we can do to help you begins with your test results. We can also provide additional testing just to make sure that you receive thorough and effective treatment.
If you’re a single person, we encourage you to contact any recent sexual partners that you can. It is possible that, if any of your partners are carrying an STD, they are not aware. Most STDs show symptoms, but people who are asymptomatic can still spread STDs. Even HIV can be dormant for months before showing any symptoms.
After testing, depending on the infection and its severity, we will offer you the treatment and guidance you need to take care of your health, and the health of your future sexual partners.
If you’re in a relationship
We understand how difficult it can be to talk about an STD with your long-term partner. We’re here to support you and provide what you need for a comfortable discussion. Moreover, beginning your treatment for you and screening your partner needs to happen immediately, to prevent any condition from worsening.
If you’re recently diagnosed with an STD and plan to become pregnant, don’t despair. If detected early, some conditions like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be cured, and won’t affect your future fetus. We can also help you manage your symptoms, which will contribute to a safe birth.
If you’re pregnant
If you are diagnosed with a curable STD while pregnant, we have several options available to help get rid of your infection. However, it is essential that you receive immediate treatment and work closely with us to manage your symptoms. Otherwise, you can pass certain STDs on to your child. Early intervention is the best way to give your child the healthiest possible life.
If you have other conditions
If you’re living with a chronic condition, particularly HIV/AIDS, it is essential to stay on top of your sexual health, and overall health. HIV/AIDS reduces your immune system’s ability to fight off infections. This substantially raises your risk of developing a more serious, life-threatening infection. Working closely with your doctor will help you to manage your symptoms, and effective treatments can help you live a longer, more healthy life.
We’re here to treat you
No matter your relationship status, sexual identity, or ethnicity, every sexually active person is vulnerable to STDs. STDs are common, and treatments are available to alleviate your symptoms, and in some cases, cure the infection altogether.
We know an STD diagnosis can be difficult to receive, but our team is ready to assist you in leading a healthier and more comfortable life. Call one of our offices for an appointment or book online with us today.
