Discussing your sexual health may not be at the top of your list of favorite topics of conversation, but it is incredibly important to your overall health! Sexually transmitted diseases are very common in the United States, so know that you are not alone if you think you may have contracted an STD.

If your partner tells you that he or she has an STD after you have been together for a while or if you start to have some concerning symptoms, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Thankfully, our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah can test for a variety of STDs right in our clinic.

What Exactly Is an STD?

STDs are infections that are spread through unprotected sexual contact. They can range from mild cases to severe issues if they are not treated quickly. Some STDs don’t even present with symptoms, which makes their detection even harder.

Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms of an STD, it is still important to get tested regularly. It is even more important when you are entering into a new relationship or changing partners. It will benefit not only you, but your chosen partner as well! We offer a full range of tests for many STDs, including the common ones listed below.

Common STD Tests

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis

Will an STD Go Away On Its Own?

In some cases, an STD will resolve itself on its own, but it is never recommended to ignore your symptoms in the hopes that they just go away. Failure to get tested can make your infection worse and can actually give you long-term issues like infertility, pregnancy complications and bladder problems. Getting tested seems like a small price to pay to avoid these larger and more complicated issues.

If you have an STD diagnosed in time, most treatments are usually simple and you should be feeling back to normal quickly! Taking care of your sexual health is a great way to support your overall physical and mental health and will always be encouraged.

Preventing STDs

• Get tested frequently.
• Communicate any diagnoses with your partner.
• Always use a condom during sexual contact.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.

Are you concerned that you contracted an STD? Come get tested at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah today.