STD Testing at Sameday Health
Sexual Wellness at Sameday Health — STD Testing
What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
A sexually transmitted disease is a disease or infection that is spread between people usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex (Planned Parenthood). Sexually transmitted diseases are very common in the United States, and around the world because people often contract an STD without realizing it. It is important to understand that anyone that is sexually active is at risk of contracting an STD (Planned Parenthood). One of the most important things that can stop the spread of STDs is to get tested. At Sameday Health, we test our clients for the most common STDs, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that can lead to cervicitis, urethritis, or proctitis (CDC). Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, with close to 3 million people contracting it each year in the United States (Planned Parenthood). Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most people do not realize that they have chlamydia because not all cases show symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can include:
Pain or burning while peeing
Pain during sex
Lower belly pain
Abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell)
Bleeding between periods
Pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis
Swollen or tender testicles
Pain, discharge and/or bleeding around the anus (Planned Parenthood).
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is bacterial infection of the reproductive tract, mouth, throat, rectum, or eyes spread through sexual activity (CDC). Like chlamydia, most people that have gonorrhea do not realize it because they do not have symptoms. Symptoms can include:
Pain or burning feeling when you pee
Abnormal discharge from the vagina that may be yellowish or bloody
Bleeding between periods
Yellow, white, or green discharge from your penis
Pain or swelling in your testicles
Itching in or around your anus
Discharge from your anus
Pain when you poop (Planned Parenthood).
Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, HBV (Planned Parenthood). Hepatitis B is one of the few STDs that can be contracted beyond sexual contact. It can also be spread by sharing hygiene items like toothbrushes and razors and from sharing needles (Planned Parenthood). Also unlike other STDs, people that contract Hepatitis B do usually experience symptoms, including:
Feeling really tired
Pain in your belly
Losing your appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in your joints
Headache
Fever
Hives
Dark-colored urine
Pale, clay-colored bowel movements
Jaundice — when your eyes and skin get yellow (Planned Parenthood).
Hepatitis C is another liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, HCV (CDC). Like Hepatitis B, it can also be spread by means other than sexual contact. The most common way that Hepatitis C is spread in the United States is by sharing needles (CDC). Symptoms of an acute infection include:
Fever
Fatigue
Dark urine
Clay-colored stool
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Joint pain
Jaundice (CDC).
Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection of the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2 and causes sores on the mouth, throat, vagina, penis, or anus (CDC). There is no cure for a herpes infection, but symptoms, if there are any, are mild and treatable and it does not lead to any serious health complications (Planned Parenthood). Herpes symptoms may show up as:
Itchy or painful blisters
Burning when you pee if your urine touches the herpes sores
Having trouble peeing because the sores and swelling are blocking your urethra
Pain around your genitals
Swollen glands in your pelvic area, throat, and under your arms
Fever
Chills
Headache
Feeling achy and tired (Planned Parenthood).
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, is a viral infection that attacks the body’s immune system and, if left untreated, can develop into AIDS (CDC). The HIV virus spreads through unprotected sexual activity or sharing needles. Most people with HIV do not experience symptoms, or, if they do, symptoms are mistaken for the flu and may not appear until years after contracting the virus (Planned Parenthood).
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum (CDC). The bacteria is spread through sexual contact and may cause sores on the vagina, anus, penis, or scrotum. There are three main stages of a syphilis infection, known as the primary stage, secondary stage, and late stage. Many people with syphilis do not show symptoms at any stage, so many people do not know they are experiencing an infection. This can be dangerous as the bacteria can cause serious damage when left untreated (Planned Parenthood).
STD Prevention
Anyone that is sexually active is at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. While abstinence, not engaging in sexual activity, is the most effective way to prevent STDs, there are numerous ways to have safe sex with others. The CDC recommends practicing mutual monogamy and using condoms and dental dams for all sexual encounters. Getting tested regularly is also a vital step to staying healthy.
STD Testing at Sameday Health
Since most the above STDs do not have symptoms, it is important to get tested frequently especially if you have multiple partners or have unprotected sex. The CDC recommends that sexually active adults get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months if you have multiple partners (CDC).
At Sameday Health, we are working to reinvent STD testing and treatment. Our services are discreet and fast, with results available in just 3 days to your personal and secure client portal. Should you need it, we can also connect you with a medical professional for a virtual care appointment from the comfort of your own home.
