Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren’t a topic often brought up at the dinner table. However, despite the stigma, more people have one than you might think; 1 in 5 Americans experiences an STD at some point, and these infections can be passed to others easily.
Most STDs don’t cause symptoms for a long time, but that doesn’t mean they can’t create serious health issues along the way. Fortunately, many can be cured once discovered, and others can be managed if a cure isn’t available.
At Church Street Medical Center and Aesthetics in Lenoir, North Carolina, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing confidential care for sexually transmitted diseases.
Read on to learn more about STD prevention, testing, and treatment available at our internal medicine practice.
What are STDs
STDs are infections that spread primarily through sexual contact. They can result from bacteria, viruses, or parasites and affect millions of people each year.
There are many types of STDs, including:
- Bacterial STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- Viral STDs, such as herpes, HIV, and HPV
- Parasitic STDs, such as trichomoniasis
Anyone who’s sexually active can get an STD, but your risks increase if you have multiple partners, engage in unprotected sex, and/or don’t seek regular testing.
The best prevention methods include practicing safe sex with condoms, getting vaccinated (for HPV and hepatitis B), and having open conversations about sexual health with your partners.
STD testing and treatment
Regular testing is essential for preventing complications. With our on-site lab, we can provide quick and accurate results, so you don’t have to wait long for answers. Testing may involve urine samples, blood tests, or swabs, depending on the infection we’re screening for.
Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can often be cured with antibiotics, while viral infections can be managed with antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
Without treatment, STDs can lead to organ damage, pelvic inflammatory disease, increased risk of certain cancers, and transmission to partners or a developing fetus.
Discreet STD testing in Lenoir, North Carolina
Don’t rely on symptoms to tell you when something is wrong. In the early stages, an STD infection may not cause any noticeable signs, yet it can still progress, damage your body, and pass to others. Testing is quick, straightforward, and can bring you peace of mind.
If you’re looking to get tested in a timely and confidential manner, call our office today or book your appointment online.