While the idea of STD testing services often makes people nervous or uncomfortable because of social stigmas around sexual health, taking care of your sexual health is an extremely important part of your overall health and well-being. Getting regular STD testing is a great way to put both your mind and the mind of any potential partners at ease, and also to ensure that you’re detecting any challenges early and getting the best treatment possible.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of walk-in STD testing services and why regular testing at Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena is a great process to integrate into your regular health practices.
STD Testing at an Urgent Care Clinic
Because of the social stigma around sexual health care, many people are often uncomfortable going to their regular family doctor for things like STD testing. Luckily, however, there are many other options for you to get the testing services you need. Many urgent care clinics for example offer discreet and confidential walk-in STD testing in a safe and anonymous environment that is also judgment-free. You will have your results quickly and efficiently, normally in less than a week, and can also get referrals or prescriptions that might be needed.
Walk-In Testing Symptoms and Services
If you or your partner is experiencing symptoms such as burning, pain, rashes, inflammation, discoloration, itching, or strange odors in the genital region, it is extremely important to get tested for STDs as soon as possible. Many STDs can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated, so make sure you get things checked out as soon as you notice any symptoms. Regular walk-in STD testing services will likely involve the common range of tests for Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, Trichomoniasis, and the HPV virus.
Benefits of Regular and Early STD Testing
When it comes to STDs, symptoms can often be difficult to pinpoint or sometimes even non-existent. For many individuals, symptoms might come and go as well. Because of this, it’s important to get regularly tested for STDs if you are sexually active even if you don’t seem to have any troubling symptoms showing.
There are many benefits to getting regular STD testing including:
Initiating Necessary Treatments
Most STDs are either curable or treatable, and catching them early can help limit both immediate discomforts as well as minimize the entire treatment process. Unfortunately, the reality is that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to experience increasing discomfort and potentially have to shell out larger bills for longer treatment needs. Catching any issues early will help minimize any potential discomfort both in your body and your wallet.
Boosting Your Confidence
We’ve all been in a circumstance where there’s a potential health challenge looming over our heads. This can cause undue stress and anxiety, particularly if that health challenge has the potential to impact your ability to enjoy time with others. Getting a regular STD check will help you feel both confident in your own health, but also confident in your partner’s safety as well, which will in turn generally reduce the overall health-related stress and anxiety.
Minimizing the Chance of Long-Term Risks
Another extremely important benefit of regular STD testing is that, if left untreated, STDs can cause serious long-term health challenges. On the more severe side, untreated STDs can lead to things like infertility, cancer, or even death. Getting regular health checks will reduce the risk of being impacted by long-term health challenges, and let you begin treatment plans to mitigate the more severe impacts that STDs can have on your overall health.
What to Do with Positive STD Results
If you receive positive results from your STD testing, the next step is to determine treatment options with your doctor. For those who have curable STDs, normally a prescription and following the recommended treatment will help clear everything up for you within a relatively short timeframe. If a diagnosis is given for a treatable STD that will require regular care moving forward, your urgent care provider will likely refer you to a more long-term doctor for treatment and follow-up care. Regardless of the type of STD, it is extremely important that you inform any sexual partners of your positive diagnosis as soon as possible so they can get checked as well.
For many people, a diagnosis of an STD can be an emotionally challenging hurdle to deal with. There are many resources online that your doctor can refer you to that provide techniques to help you have those difficult conversations with your partners. Additionally, for those who might be living with more long-term STDs, seeking out support groups or counseling services if you’re struggling with your diagnosis might also be a good option for you.
Contact us today for STD testing in Pasadena!
If you’re looking for efficient and confidential STD testing services in the Pasadena area Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena can help. Our expert medical professionals provide testing services in a non-judgmental and compassionate environment and will work with you to make sure all your aftercare needs are met.
Contact us online with any questions you might have or call (626) 304-0404 and let us support your medical needs today!
