Modern Testing with Rapid Results
STD testing is one of those important life responsibilities, like taxes or car insurance. We are glad you are here, taking a responsible step toward helping yourself and potentially protecting other people. Getting tested for an STD doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of local STD testing centers standing by to help you take control of your health and empower you to live your life to the fullest.
Testing Locations
Types of STD Tests
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). A positive HIV test can be a life-changing event. HIV wears down the body’s immune system over time. Eventually, HIV can progress to AIDS. People with AIDS may get life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections. These infections do not usually make healthy people sick. Those with HIV/AIDS are also more likely to develop certain cancers, neurological disorders, and a host of other conditions.
There is currently no official cure for either HIV or AIDS. This is why it is so important to get regularly tested. STD testing means early detection. Early detection means better treatment for you and a reduced risk of giving HIV to someone else.
Herpes
Herpes is caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is incredibly common and usually causes oral herpes. Many people notice no symptoms or show only minimal signs of herpes infections.
When signs of genital herpes do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores). These first-time sores may take two to four weeks to heal. Another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first. However, later outbreaks are usually not as severe or as long-lasting as the first one. Fortunately, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over time.
People can manage their symptoms, but there is no cure for herpes. Even condoms will not always prevent this infection. This is because sores can appear in different places, not just condom-covered ones. (Condoms are still important, though. Proper use can decrease the chances of catching herpes and other STDs.)
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STD. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This STD can damage a woman’s reproductive organs if left untreated. Symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent. Yet just because symptoms are mild doesn’t mean chlamydia can’t cause some serious damage. In fact, serious complications can occur and cause irreversible damage, including infertility. This can all happen “silently,” before someone even realizes they have this STD. Chlamydia also can affect men. Although rare, men can also face long-term complications from this STD. Fortunately, chlamydia is easily detected with a simple test.
Gonorrhea
The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the extremely common STD gonorrhea. This bacterium can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract. This can include the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (egg canals), and the urethra (urine canal). The infection can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. If you may have been exposed to gonorrhea, you should get tested to receive an accurate diagnose.
Syphilis
The bacterium Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. You may have heard people call it “the great imitator.” This is because so many signs of syphilis look incredibly similar to the symptoms of other diseases. This imitation makes it hard to diagnose this STD based on symptoms alone. A broad panel of STD tests is a helpful way to see if any symptoms are from syphilis or something else.
Trichomoniasis
Many commonly call this STD trich and pronounce it like “trick.” Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STDs in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3.7 million people in this country alone have it. The CDC also reports that roughly 70% of people infected with trich don’t notice any signs of this STD.