Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs)
Anyone who has oral, vaginal, or anal sex or genital skin-to skin contact can get STDs. Many STD’s don’t have symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Family Health Services offers STD testing and treatment. Our caring staff encourages individuals that are sexually active to have safe sex. For men and women, no matter whether you have sex with a woman or a man or both, the man should wear a latex condom every time you have sex.
STD TESTING
A urine test can detect gonorrhea and chlamydia, and takes 5-7 days to get results. In some cases, a physical examination might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. For HIV testing, a finger poke blood test will provide results.
Some signs and symptoms of STD’s include:
- painful/burning urination
- itchiness
- bumps
- rashes
- blisters
- warts
- unusual discharge that often has an odor.
Many STD’s (including HIV) do not have any signs or symptoms.
Treatments for STD’s are also available in our office. Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment might include a prescription oral medication, shot or cream.
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through sexual contact. HIV is an infection that breaks down your immune system and can lead to AIDS. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stay healthy.
HIV TESTING
Testing is easy. A simple finger-poke blood test will have preliminary results within 15 minutes. If the results are reactive, you’ll receive a blood draw for a more advanced test that can confirm the results.
Family Health Services recommends all sexually active men and women:
- Get tested often.
- Practice safe sex by using a latex condom every time you have sex.
- Only after both partners have been tested and the results are negative should a couple consider sex without a condom.
If you are considering entering into a monogamous relationship, both of you should get tested before having sex without using a condom.
Are STDs and STIs the same thing?
They are!
STI stands for “sexually transmitted infection” and it’s now considered by physicians to be a more accurate description of what most people know as STDs. But as far as treatments, testing, and prevention all the information is exactly the same! If you ever have questions or are confused, get in touch! We’re here for you.
PREVENTION
For men and women, no matter whether you have sex with a woman or a man or both, the man should wear a latex condom every time you have sex.
FHSI always offers free condoms and provide low-cost and income-based STD testing to whoever needs it.
Need more information? Get in touch to get answers or make an appointment
