Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are far more widespread than you might imagine. The United States alone records about 20 million new infections each year. But there is good news; most of these diseases can be treated if you seek STD treatment near you.
Seeking Help: STD Treatment Near Me
With the stigma and misconceptions surrounding sexually transmitted diseases, many people dread seeking treatment. If you suspect you could be infected, find STD treatment near you at a health clinic, doctor's office, or over telehealth. The sooner you begin treatment, the better for you.
Visit any of the following facilities for testing and treatment of STDs near you.
- a GUM clinic or private STD clinic
- a family planning clinic
- a student health center
- an urgent care clinic in your community
- a hospital by your primary care physician
You could also start with an online consultation if you find an in-person session uncomfortable. Young adults can call the National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123 to access young people's sexual health services.
It is normal to feel embarrassed during consultations, but don't be. Medical practitioners don't judge; they are trained to handle all kinds of issues. They will try to explain everything to you and put you at ease. When you seek STD treatment near you, confidentiality is a guarantee.
Testing for STDs
After an in-depth consultation about your symptoms, the doctor or nurse will tell you what tests you need to take. Feel free to ask any questions about the tests they suggest so you can be fully aware of the process.
The tests may involve:
- Urine sample
- Swabs of blood from the urethra
- Physical examination of your genital organs
- Vaginal swabs, which you collect yourself
Some test results come out within the same day, allowing you to start treatment as soon as possible. Others may take up to two weeks.
Treating STDs
Bacterial STDs, or STIs, are treatable and curable. However, viral infections such as HIV do not have a cure, but there are treatments to manage the disease. Pregnant women risk infecting their babies with STDs. Therefore, if you are pregnant, you should seek STD treatment near you immediately.
Common treatments for STDs include:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can cure most sexually transmitted parasitic and bacterial infections, like syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. You must follow through with the entire prescription when you start using antibiotics. Much of the time, you will only need a single prescription to get well. But if two infections coexist, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, you will get treatment for both.
Once you finish your prescription, ask your doctor if you should abstain from sex for a few days. You should also check in with your doctor for a retest after three months because there is a slight risk of recurrent infections.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medication treats sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses such as HIV and herpes. A combination of suppressive therapy daily and antiviral drugs lowers herpes flair-ups, but you still may risk infecting your partner. Therefore, practicing safe sex and using protection is recommended.
Antiviral medications can help prevent infection of HIV for years. However, because you still have the virus, you can transmit it to another person, but the risk is lower. The sooner you start HIV treatment, the better the outcome. If you follow through with your prescriptions, antiviral medications can lower the risk of you infecting a partner.
Don't Be Afraid to Seek Treatment
Everyone gets exposed to unfavorable conditions at some point, leading to various ailments. Do not suffer in silence when help is available for STD treatment. Find STD treatment near you to get the treatment you need.
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