One in four Americans contracts a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in their lifetime, making it a common health issue and an important aspect of your sexual health. The team at DFW MDcare in Plano, Texas, offers their patients confidential STD testing and treatment, as well as education on preventing and living with STDs. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today.
DFW MDcare recommends STD testing for all patients who are sexually active. Even with protected sex, it’s still possible to contract certain STDs. And many people who have STDs do not experience any symptoms until their condition has progressed.
While anyone who is sexually active should have STD testing done regularly, certain people have a higher risk of contracting STDs. You may need more frequent STD tests if you often have unprotected sex or have multiple sexual partners.
Many STDs can cause significant health issues, some of which are life-threatening, so it's important to get tested regularly.
Most STDs don’t produce symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. Many become dormant and may remain asymptomatic for years. That means that even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still have an STD and pass it on to your partner(s).
At other times, STDs do cause symptoms. Depending on the STD you have, you may experience:
Remember, just because you don’t have symptoms, it does not mean you are STD-free. If you’ve ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex, you could be at risk.
The team at DFW MDcare tests for a range of STDs. A comprehensive STD test may involve a:
Through these different laboratory tests, your provider can determine if you have HIV/AIDS or other STDs, including:
It's important to let your provider know any symptoms you may be experiencing and how long you've had them so they can make a full assessment of your health.
While some STDs are treatable, others are not. Conditions like HIV, HPV, and genital herpes are viral and can’t be treated with medication. Symptom management is all that can be done for these diseases. The team at DFW MDcare may also provide educational resources to help you adjust to living with an STD.
The team treats some STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, with medications, most often antibiotics. After finishing the medication, your provider may recommend a follow-up test to ensure the condition has been eradicated.
If you need an STD test, schedule an appointment at DFW MDcare by calling the office or booking online today.
