STD Testing Columbia, MD
OUCH Urgent Care is proud to provide testing for sexually transmitted diseases at our office near Columbia, MD. If you are sexually active, it is imperative that you get tested for STDs on a regular basis. Not noticing any symptoms isn’t enough—you could have an STD without even knowing it! When you go without regular STD testing, you run the risk of having an STD become more severe, your health may decline causing permanent damage, or you could pass it along to a partner. There is no need to feel embarrassed—OUCH takes care of testing professionally, compassionately, and discreetly.
STD Testing Keeps You and Your Partner Safe
Most people are surprised to learn that there are several STDs that are often asymptomatic; it could be weeks, months, or even years before you begin showing symptoms, at which point it may be too late to treat it. Don’t let this happen to you! Meet with specialists at our urgent care clinic near Columbia to get tested and learn more about STDs and your sexual health. If your results come back negative, you’ll find you’ve gained valuable peace of mind. If your test proves to be positive, you’ll then be able to learn some important information and begin receiving necessary treatment. Regardless of the outcome, OUCH can help.
Why STD Testing is So Important
If you’re sexually active, there is no excuse not to get tested. Even if you’ve gone weeks or months without having sex, if you haven’t been tested since your last encounter, you may have a latent STD that has yet to show symptoms. A common—and harmful—myth is that you don’t need to get tested if you have one steady partner. The number of previous sexual partners you’ve had can certainly impact your chances of contracting an STD—not to mention people your partner has had sex with. “Better safe than sorry” absolutely rings true for STD testing—even if you don’t think you need it, err on the side of caution and get tested.
Signs It’s Time for STD Testing
Sexually active people should be tested for STDs regularly. Certain STDs are latent and remain well-concealed before rearing their ugly heads. However, there are some STDs with clear and quickly appearing symptoms. These include (but are not limited to) sores, rashes and redness, abnormal discharge, experiencing a burning sensation when urinating, and painful intercourse. If you notice any of these signs or other unusual symptoms you think may be related to an STD, contact our STD testing center near Columbia MD right away. Ideally, testing should be done before those red flags appear. The better and more proactive approach is to meet with our highly skilled urgent care staff for regular periodic testing regardless of whether you suspect you may have contracted an STD.
Professional STD Testing Done Right
One of the worst reasons (if not the worst) for avoiding STD testing is embarrassment or fear of judgement. There is no shame in asking for help; it is responsible to get tested regularly and something you should be proud of yourself for. We know it’s not easy, but it’s smart and keeps you safe and healthy. Your test results and everything else discussed is kept in strict confidence; no one needs to know you’ve been tested if you don’t want them to, including your family. We have the experience and medical technology necessary to quickly and accurately test you for STDs. Depending on the circumstances, the process may involve fluid samples, blood testing, physical examinations, or a combination of methods. Should you test positive for an STD, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your life as you know it, nor do you have to feel shame. We’re here to provide medical treatment and information to get your health back to normal and help you better protect yourself in the future.