+ What STDs/STIs does Sameday Health test for?

The Twin STI Panel screens for gonorrhea and chlamydia, while the Extended STI Panel screens for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV 1, HIV 2, Herpes Type 1, Herpes Type 2, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

+ What is the collection method?

A nurse will draw a small vile of blood. Additionally, a pee sample will be required. In total, the process should take less than 5 minutes.

+ Why should I get tested for an STD or STI?

STDs or STIs can impact anyone who is sexually active - not just those who are "high risk." It's possible to have an STD or STI and not even know it, as many cases have mild to no symptoms. Testing is the only way to to know for sure if you have an STD/STI and to keep your sexual partner(s) safe. Most STDs and STIs can be easily cured with medicine, but those left untreated can cause serious health complications. If your STD is incurable, there are often treatments that help you with your symptoms and drastically lower your chances of giving the STD to another individual, keeping everyone safe. Worrying about STDs is scarier than knowing. Get control over your sexual health, because it's never too early or too safe.

+ What are common symptoms for the most prevalent STDs/STIs?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consider getting tested: - sores or bumps around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks - abnormal or odd-smelling discharge from your vagina or penis - burning when you pee and/or frequent need to urinate - itching, pain, irritation, and/or swelling in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus - pain during sex - flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen glands, and fatigue All of these symptoms can be caused by things that aren't STDS, so getting tested is a sure-fire way to know for sure.

+ What is chlamydia? What are common symptoms?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria; those with chlamydia often don't outwardly present symptoms in the early days. Chlamydia can be spread through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), genital contact, or mother-to-newborn transmission. Symptoms in men include burning sensation during urination, yellow or green discharge from the penis, pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the testicles, sore throat, cough, or fever. Symptoms in women include painful sex, vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, inflammation of the cervix, and bleeding between periods. The good news is that chlamydia is easy to treat. Since it's bacterial, it can be easily treated with antibiotics.

+ What is gonorrhea? What are common symptoms?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria and is passed from one individual to another through oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom. While some people never develop noticeable symptoms, other symptoms may include frequent need to urinate, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, swelling or redness at the opening of the penis, swelling or pain in the testicles, persistent sore throat, pain during urination, and painful sex. The good news is that gonorrhea is easy to treat. Since it's bacterial, it can be easily treated with antibiotic injections and oral medications.

+ What is HIV? What are common symptoms?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. HIV can be sexually transmitted, but it can also be passed on from individual to individual through mother-to-newborn transmission, blood, or breast milk. If left untreated, HIV can accumulate to a high enough viral load in the body to be classified as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Those with AIDS have damaged immune systems and are susceptible to getting severe illnesses, called opportunistic infections. Some people present with flu-like symptoms about 2-4 weeks after infection. These symptoms include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers. Currently, there is no cure to HIV/AIDS, but there are very effective treatments that allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and protect their sexual partners.

+ What is syphilis? What are common symptoms?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria. The first sign of syphilis is a small, painless sore that may appear on the genitals, rectum, or inner mouth. Secondary symptoms include headaches, swollen lymph. nodes, fatigue, fever, weight loss, hair loss, and aching joints. If syphilis is left untreated for a long time, syphilis can cause serious damage to organs like the heart and brain. Syphilis is spread through direct contact with the syphilitic sores.

+ What is Herpes Type 1 and Herpes Type 2? What are common symptoms?

Herpes Simplex Virus is categorized into two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is also called oral herpes and can cause sores around the mouth and lips. HSV-2 is also called genital herpes and can cause sores around the genitals or rectum. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, but most cases of these sores are due to HSV-2. HSV-1 is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, while HSV-2 is only spread through sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Herpes can be spread even if sores are not present. The herpes virus goes through periods of dormancy and periods of outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes, but treatments and medications can relieve symptoms.

+ My test came back positive. What now?

Take a deep breath. STDs/STIs happen. Sameday supports you through and beyond your test result. Our Sameday Health physicians work closely with you to create unique health plans, order appropriate medications, and help you take your next steps forward.

+ Do you accept my insurance?

There are two costs to keep in mind: The cost of the testing and the cost of any prescription medication, if appropriate. The STI/STD testing is all out-of-pocket and won’t be covered by your insurance. The cost of the prescription may be covered by your insurance when you pick up the medication at your local pharmacy or opt to get it delivered. Just provide the pharmacy with your insurance information.