Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs) are the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that affect reproductive organs. These are usually spread through sexual activity, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STIs and STDs are acquired every day worldwide, and most are asymptomatic. If left untreated, they could have serious health consequences. Having STD tests regularly can help detect any issues promptly and avoid complications.
Regular preventative screenings allow you to take control of your health and start prompt treatment if needed. At Carolina Urgent Care, STD and STI testing is performed with utmost care for privacy and comfort. Don’t hesitate to take care of your well-being by contacting us or visiting our walk-in clinic.
STDs and STIs are most often spread through sexual contact. Here are some of the most common types:
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection from Chlamydia trachomatis. It can affect both men and women and is usually spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.
It is common to experience no symptoms at all when infected. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Chlamydia is easy to treat and can be cured. It is usually treated using antibiotics. If left untreated, it could potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It affects both men and women and is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Symptoms don’t always show up, but when they do, they often include:
In its initial phases, gonorrhea could be treated with injections or antibiotics. If left untreated, it could potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. It can progress through different stages and affect various parts of the body.
During its initial stages, it is often characterized by ulcers in the genitals, anus, or mouth. As it progresses, symptoms may include:
Treatment for syphilis involves penicillins shots. If left untreated, syphilis could lead to serious complications, including damage to the heart, blood vessels, brain, and other organs.
HPV is a group of highly contagious viruses that can be transmitted through direct contact with the sores, mucus membranes, or skin by vaginal, anal, and oral sex or kissing. It may initially show no symptoms, but as it progresses, some signs may include:
There are vaccines available to protect against HPV and multiple procedures to remove the warts or any other related symptoms. However, there is no treatment available for the virus itself. If left untreated, you may be susceptible to genital warts and certain types of cancer like cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancer.
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. It is primarily transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, from a person with the virus.
In its early stages (which could last for several years), HIV may not show any symptoms. However, in some cases, signals may appear right after contagion, including:
The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy. This involves taking a combination of medicines every day. Although this cannot cure HIV, it can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. If left untreated, it could progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS.
Untreated STDs and STIs can lead to complications such as PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancies, chronic pain, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Prompt treatment can help start fighting these pathogens in their early stage, increasing the chances of successful recovery.
This can be achieved through regular testing. Undergoing screenings, even if there are no symptoms, is essential for your overall health. Identifying any issues on time can help prevent the spread of infections, manage symptoms, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
If you’ve had unprotected sex, have engaged in sexual activity with a new partner, or have multiple sexual partners, regular tests are highly encouraged.
At Carolina Urgent Care, our tests range from rapid PCRs for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas to rapid tests for bacterial vaginosis, HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Most test results are available in 15 minutes to an hour.
We also perform urine PCRs, which offer higher accuracy but offer results within a range of 24 to 48 hours.
These tests use different diagnostic methods, including:
Our team at Carolina Urgent Care will always conduct these tests with the utmost sensitivity and respect for your comfort. All testing is completely confidential, and results are shared only with you.
When the results of your tests are available, our team will guide you through the ideal treatment for your specific case. These may range from the use of antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viruses.
Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor your treatment progress and ensure complete recovery. We have an active support system for all our patients. Don’t hesitate to perform your STD tests with us and ask for help by calling us or visiting our walk-in clinic.
There are multiple ways to ensure you live a healthy sexual life. This includes engaging in safe sex practices, undergoing regular screenings, and getting vaccinated.
Engaging in safe sex practices is crucial to prevent STDs and STIs. These include the following:
Getting tested regularly allows you to manage the symptoms in a timely manner and avoid further complications. STD testing shouldn’t only be performed when symptoms appear but also on a regular basis for a healthy sexual life. Regular testing can help identify viruses or bacteria that may not manifest visible symptoms.
Certain viral STDs, like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, can be prevented by vaccination. While vaccines may not cover all pathogens, they still provide additional protection against certain infections that can have serious health consequences.
Our team at Carolina Urgent Care offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for STDs and STIs. These prioritize your comfort and the complete confidentiality of the process. With us, your health will be handled with ultimate care and rigor.
Our medical professionals have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat all types of sexually transmitted conditions. We focus on offering a comprehensive approach to medical care, including testing, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services, providing you with complete continuity of care.
We are committed to providing quality care, personalized attention, and support throughout STD and STI treatment.
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.
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sat-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
