Rapid STI Testing Specialist

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are contagious infections spread through sexual contact. You can transmit or catch an STD through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and they affect both genders. Some of the most common STDs are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital warts
• Herpes
• Hepatitis B
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis

One of the more concerning facts about STDs is that you can go for a long time without knowing you have one. They can be present despite a lack of symptoms, and you can spread them to others before you realize you were infected yourself.

If you develop symptoms from an STD, they may include pelvic pain, itching, vaginal bleeding, unusual genital discharge, and nausea. 

How are STDs diagnosed?

Whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, you can find out if you have an STD with comprehensive testing at Integrative Wellness Center. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly, even if you use condoms. Condoms are the only form of birth control that offers any protection against STDs, but regular testing is always recommended. 

The team at Integrative Wellness Center can tell you which STD tests can benefit you. Getting an accurate diagnosis for an STD, or confirming that you don’t have one, might involve:

• A visual examination
• Fluid swab
• Blood test
• Urinalysis
• Colposcopy

If the team at Integrative Wellness Center diagnoses you with an STD, they can advise you on treatment. 

How are STDs treated?

A common misconception about STDs is that you cannot treat them. You can treat most of them, and the team at Integrative Wellness Center manages your care. 

Many STDs respond well to medications like antibiotics, which clear the underlying infection. To treat the STD effectively, you must complete the round of antibiotics even if your symptoms clear up before you’re done taking them. The team also advises you to abstain from sexual contact until you complete treatment.

If you have an STD that is not curable, the team at Integrative Wellness Center counsels you on how to manage any symptoms and avoid transmitting them to other people. 

To find out more about STDs and how you can prevent them, call Integrative Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.