A healthy approach to sexuality is an essential part of overall well-being, yet many people feel uncomfortable discussing it or tend to overlook its importance. The truth is that Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are more common than many people realize and frequent testing is very essential to keep good health and stop the transmission of infections. This inclusive guideline talks about the importance of STD testing, the process of testing, and how urgent care centers like Absolute Urgent Care are the right places for these services.
STD Testing and Its Importance
Regular STD testing is extremely important for a number of reasons:
- The treatment of STDs will be less painful and more effective
- It will help you to protect your sexual partners from being infected
- Avoiding any long-term health problems that arise from STDs
- Promoting the overall well-being of your sexual health
- The stigma related to STDs is minimized by the fact that testing is the new norm
Some STDs can be asymptomatic which means you can be infected without being aware of it. Regular screening allows the detection of any infections very early on, the necessary treatment can be immediately undertaken making the risk of complications very low.
Most Common Types of STDs Tested at Urgent Care
At Absolute Urgent Care, a variety of STDs is tested. These include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis
What to Expect at STD Testing in a Clinic
STD testing in the emergency centres like Absolute Urgent Care is a quick, private, and patient-friendly process in which you are made to feel relaxed and peaceful.
Here’s what will happen:
1. Registration and Consultation
At your arrival, you’ll fill out the form and health history which includes doctor consultations and symptoms you may encounter. This info will allow the doctor to prescribe the tests that are most suitable for your problems.
2. Sample Collection
The samples to be collected would depend on the tests needed, so you may have to provide:
- Blood test
- Urine sample
- A swab of the mouth, genitals, or rectum
This process is typically very quick and it is usually painless. It will be done by skilled technicians specifically for your comfort.
3. Laboratory Analysis
Our labs analyze the samples. The on-site labs of Absolute Urgent Care guarantee fast and precise results.
4. Results and Follow-up
You can expect to get your results within a couple of days. Based on the results, you will be given the necessary interventions and, if needed, follow-up care can be scheduled with our family medicine experts.
Advantages of Urgent Care in STD Testing
The points below summarize the benefits of the urgent care centres for STD testing:
- It is convenient because you can go anytime during the day and also the clinic is open late into the night and over the weekend
- Your sexual health is kept private and you will not be noticed in the clinic.
- You will have your results more quickly than from the traditional clinics
- Most clinics can treat various STDs during your visit, without the need for separate visits to a specialist
- It is usually cheaper to get a provision at an urgent care center than it is to go to the emergency room
Overcoming Stigma and Fears
Many people might feel scared or ashamed, but getting tested for STDs could be the first step to a better life. It is necessary to understand that STD testing is the standard part of healthcare and we, as healthcare professionals in Absolute Urgent Care, are trained to give you the best non-judgmental, confidential care. Here are some suggestions of how to conquer testing anxiety:
- Just let it go and remember that testing is routine and a good practice
- Take a close companion along with you as a giving support mechanism
- Speak to the doctor about your worries. Also, tell the partner your result
- Refrain from thinking about the bad things but instead, understand that you are helping yourself and your partner, too, by getting your status known
When to Get Tested
Holistically, the right time to do the STD test refers to your sexual intercourse in conjunction with your sex life, the risks you are exposed to by the number of partners or the type of relationship you are involved in. However, the general recommendations are to test yourself frequently if you:
- You are sexually active and have a yearly check-up
- Begin a new relationship
- Your new partner has multiple sexual partners
- You have the symptoms of an STD
- You’ve had unprotected sex
Visit the healthcare providers in Absolute Urgent Care based on your personal circumstances to overthrow your worries and get your own recommendations.;
Treatment and Follow-up Care
Don’t take a totally negative attitude if your STD test comes back positive. Many STDs are easily cured with drugs. At Absolute Urgent Care, we can give you:
- Immediate cure for those STDs that can be cured, and also experiences chronic.
- Information on and the practice of dealing with chronic diseases
- Partner care as mentioned above
- The follow-up exams to determine the effectiveness of treatments
- Specialists will be referred to when necessary.
Prevention and Education
Beyond that, we are also devoted to the mission of prevention and education of STDs in Absolute Urgent Care. Our practitioners are capable to give counsel on the following items:
- Ensure Safe Sex Practices
- Vaccine Options such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP), newcomers to the HIV community
- Lifestyle changes to prevent STDs
The Use of Technology in STD Testing
Continuous technological innovativeness in the medical field has also improved the STD testing procedure. We take advantage of the following technologies:
- Rapid testing techniques for quicker results
- Electronically transferring patient medical records that are secure, to avoid delays of data harvested from patients, also ensuring data accuracy
- Telemedicine as a way to conduct follow-up medical visits online after you have had your initial in person visit
Frequent STD testing is a significant segment of the sexual health of the public as well as personal health issues. At the same time, Absolute Urgent Care offers a confidential, efficient, and comfortable environment for all your STD testing needs. If you go for the test, you make a proactive decision towards your health. Neither do you put at risk the health of your friends; by doing so, you get to know your status and can plan how to approach the future. Remember that the true understanding of your sexual health is the key point of everything and testing is the first step in the process.
Download your health records through our system and submit the test results for your e-care. Here, the results can’t be seen by anyone except the doctor, and then we issue the treatment options. Our understanding and caring team are committed to lend a hand to you and that you are built-in with the resources needed to have excellent sexual health.
