STD Testing

Regular STD testing is essential to check for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and ensure optimal sexual life and overall well-being. Regular preventative screenings allow you to take control of your health and start prompt treatment if needed.

At Carolina Urgent Care, we offer comprehensive and private STD testing. Our screening process is comfortable, completely confidential, and performed under the guidance of professional healthcare providers. Rest assured that with us, your health will be handled with the utmost care and rigor.

Available testing options include screenings for common STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, as well as more specialized tests depending on your needs.

Whether you have specific symptoms you’d like to address or would like to be proactive about your health, our team at Carolina Urgent Care is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to take care of your well-being. Contact us or visit our walk-in clinic.

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs) affect the reproductive organs in our bodies due to the spreading of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These are primarily spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some other forms of contagion include sharing needles or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Some of the most common STDs include but are not limited to:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HPV
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts
• HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Hepatitis B
• Trichomoniasis

You may be susceptible to chronic diseases and other health complications if STDs are untreated. Therefore, having regular screenings is a crucial step toward protecting your sexual health. 

If you notice any of the following signs, we highly encourage undergoing STD testing:

• Sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Swelling, redness, or bumps around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Foul-smelling vaginal odor
• Aches in the pelvic region

There are some cases where STDs are asymptomatic but still present in the body. Being proactive about your health by performing regular screenings is essential for identifying such underlying issues. 

Getting tested regularly allows for a timely start to treatment and helps you manage symptoms and avoid further complications. However, STD testing should not only be performed when symptoms appear. Testing should be carried out on a regular basis for a healthy sexual life.

Doing so can help identify viruses or bacteria that may not manifest visible symptoms.

Regular STD testing should be performed once you start your sexual life, and more specifically:

• After having unprotected sex
• After engaging in sexual activity with a new partner
• If you have multiple sexual partners

Timely medical care will help treat any STD in its initial phases, increasing the chances of successful treatment. 

Carolina Urgent Care offers multiple STD testing services to suit your needs. 

Rapid PCR for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas  (Females Only)

A rapid polymerase chain reaction is a non-invasive test that is performed on women by collecting a sample from the vaginal fluids. The sample is processed using a PCR technique to detect pathogen-related DNA, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas.

This Rapid PCR offers results in 30 minutes for women and up to two days for men, with a high level of accuracy, allowing for a timely treatment start. Its preciseness is limited to the targeted pathogens since it may not detect other potential STDs. 

Rapid Bacterial Vaginosis Testing 

Rapid bacterial vaginosis is performed by collecting a vaginal fluid sample and aims to identify any indications of bacterial vaginosis. One of the major advantages of this test is its rapid processing. You can receive the results in just 15 minutes. 

Urine PCR for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas 

By analyzing a urine sample, this PCR test can detect gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas with a high level of accuracy. It is non-invasive, and the results are usually available in 30 minutes for women and within 24 to 48 hours for men. Although it may take slightly longer than other rapid tests, its accuracy will allow you to rely safely on its results.

Rapid HIV Tests

Rapid HIV tests involve drawing a blood sample through a finger prick or an oral fluid sample. Within 30 minutes, the sample will be analyzed to identify any presence of HIV antibodies.

Receiving fast results is crucial when looking for STD testing. However, these rapid tests may have a higher chance of false-positive results than standard testing. It is recommended to perform a follow-up confirmatory test for higher accuracy. 

Rapid Hep C

A rapid hepatitis C test is performed by analyzing a blood sample to identify antibodies against the virus. The results are available in under 30 minutes, encouraging early treatment.

As in any other rapid test, false positives are higher, and additional tests for accurate confirmation are suggested. 

Rapid Syphilis

The rapid test for syphilis uses a blood sample to identify any antibodies produced to fight the bacteria. This test offers quick results by delivering them within 30 minutes, but there is a chance for false positives with rapid tests, and further confirmatory testing is suggested. 

During your STD testing, our doctors will ask about your medical history, sexual life, general habits, and family history. Knowing more about your lifestyle will help us guide you through your testing process. Depending on your symptoms, different diagnostic methods may be used. This can include the following.

• Urine samples are collected in a sterile container. You’ll be instructed to urinate directly into the container to ensure the sample does not touch any external surfaces and avoid contamination. Once this is done, the container is sealed, labeled, and sent for lab analysis. 
• Pelvic exams are usually performed during gynecological check-ups. You’ll be asked to lie with feet elevated in stirrups. Your doctor will then examine your cervix to identify any abnormalities or signs of infections. 
• A swab of genital secretions is done by using a sterile swab to collect a sample from the cervix, vagina, or penis. This is then placed into a vial and sent for lab analysis to identify the presence of pathogens. 
• Visual checks for sores are crucial to identify STDs like herpes. During this examination, your doctor will inspect the genital area for any sores, lesions, or abnormalities. A bright light and magnification glass may be used to get a clear view. 
• Mouth swabs or blood tests may be necessary to identify STDs like HIV or syphilis. A sterile swab will collect a fluid sample from the cheeks and gums. A blood test involves drawing a small amount of blood from your arm.

At Carolina Urgent Care, all tests are always performed with your preferences in mind. These will always be conducted with the utmost sensitivity and respect for your comfort. They are also completely confidential, and results are shared only with you.

Once your results are available, we will guide you through the ideal treatment for your specific case. Options may range from the use of antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viruses. Follow-up care options are always available, don’t hesitate to ask for our help.

Remember that engaging in safe sex practices is crucial to prevent re-infection. By using barrier methods of contraception like condoms, you can prevent the exchange of body fluids that could transmit STDs. Also, getting tested regularly is crucial for early detection and avoiding further complications.

Visit our facilities to receive guidance and better information on our tests.

If you need screening for STDs, our team at Carolina Urgent Care is ready to welcome you. Let us help you recover your health.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. You can visit our clinics in Chapel Hill, Durham, or schedule an appointment online.