Urgent Care STD Testing In Atlanta: What To Know

STD testing is crucial for individuals to stay happy and healthy. Not to mention it keeps the population safe. But why is STD testing so important?

Find out why urgent care STD testing at WestsideMed's location in Atlanta can make a massive difference in your life.

Let's start with some basics.

What Are STDs?

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that primarily spread through sexual contact.

They can cause a range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

Some common STDs include:

• Chlamydia. This bacterial STD can cause genital discharge and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility.
• Gonorrhea. This bacterial STD can cause genital discharge, pain, and inflammation and can spread to the eyes and joints.
• Syphilis. This bacterial STD can cause sores, rashes, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as blindness, heart disease, and damage to the nervous system.
• Herpes. This viral STD can cause painful blisters or sores on the mouth or genitals and can remain in the body for life.
• HPV. This viral STD can cause genital warts and increase cervical cancer risk.
• Hepatitis B and C. These viral STDs can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.
• HIV. This viral STD can damage the immune system and lead to AIDS.

Why Is It Important To Get Tested For STDs?

It's crucial to get an STD test. But why?

Getting tested for STDs is essential for a few reasons.

• Early detection. Testing can detect infections early when they are more treatable.
• Preventing spread. Knowing your status helps you take steps to avoid spreading the disease to others.
• Protecting your health. Some STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated, such as infertility, chronic pain, or even an increased risk of HIV transmission.
• Peace of mind. Knowing your STD status can give you peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.

Regular STD testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex.

When To Get An STD Test After Exposure

The timing of getting an STD test after exposure varies depending on the type of STD and the type of test used.

It is recommended to wait at least a few days to a few weeks after potential exposure before getting tested to ensure accurate results.

For example:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. It is recommended to wait 7-14 days after exposure for a reliable test result.
• HIV. It can take up to 4 weeks for antibodies to show up in the blood after exposure. A rapid test can provide results in as little as 20 minutes, but a more accurate result may take a few weeks.
• Herpes. It can take 2-12 weeks for antibodies to show up in the blood after exposure. Herpes symptoms may not appear for several weeks or even months.

HIV Testing In Atlanta: Why It Matters

Testing for HIV in Atlanta is essential for several reasons.

Early diagnosis

HIV can be present in the body for several years before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, which can slow the progression of the disease and improve overall health outcomes.

Prevention of transmission

Knowing your HIV status allows you to take steps to prevent transmitting the virus to others, such as using protection during sexual activities and avoiding sharing needles.

Improved health outcomes

Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can help slow the progression of the disease and improve overall health outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help suppress the virus, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Improved access to care

Testing positive for HIV can provide access to support services and medical care, including ART and other treatments.

Reducing stigma

Routine testing for HIV helps to normalize the process and reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

Overall, urgent care testing for HIV is a crucial step in taking control of your sexual health and preventing the spread of the virus. 

Regular testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active or engages in activities that put them at risk of HIV exposure.

When To Visit An Urgent Care For STD Testing

If you are experiencing symptoms of an STD or have recently had unprotected sex, it's important to get tested as soon as possible.

An urgent care in Atlanta can provide confidential and convenient testing services and usually provide results quickly. They also offer STD treatment options if necessary.

How To Prepare For An STD Test At WestsideMed

To prepare for an STD test at an Atlanta Urgent Care, patients should follow these steps:

Schedule An Appointment

Call the urgent care center to schedule an appointment for an STD test. While urgent cares generally offer walk-in services, calling ahead to confirm availability and wait times at WestsideMed is a great idea.

Gather Information

Write down a list of any symptoms you may be experiencing. Also, list recent sexual history to help the healthcare provider determine which tests are necessary.

Bring Identification

Patients should bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to the appointment.

Avoid Sexual Activity

It is recommended to avoid sexual activity for at least 24 hours before the appointment to ensure accurate test results.

Fast Or Follow Instructions

Depending on the type of test, the healthcare provider may instruct patients to fast or avoid certain activities before the appointment. Patients should follow these instructions carefully.

It's important to remember that STD testing is confidential. The healthcare provider will not share any test results with anyone without the patient's consent.

Patients should discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare provider to ensure an accurate and effective urgent care STD testing process.

How An STD Test Is Done At An Urgent Care

The method of urgent care STD testing in Atlanta varies depending on the specific STD being tested for. Some common testing methods include:

• Urine test. A urine sample is collected and tested for certain STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Blood test. A blood sample is taken and tested for STDs, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.
• Swab test. An urgent care provider uses a swab to collect samples from the affected area, such as the cervix, urethra, or throat. The swab is for STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
• Physical exam. A doctor or nurse may examine visible signs of STDs, such as sores or rashes, and collect samples for testing.
• Pap test. A test that screens for HPV and cervical cancer by collecting cells from the cervix and testing them in a lab.

Be sure to follow the instructions provided by WestsideMed and inform us of any symptoms you may have. This may affect the type of test you receive.

Urgent Care STD Testing, Evaluation, And Treatment In Atlanta With WestsideMed

WestsideMed Urgent Care in Atlanta helps patients with STD testing by offering a confidential and convenient testing process.

We have a team of healthcare providers who can evaluate the patient's symptoms and recommend appropriate tests.

We also offer in-house laboratory services for quicker results.

Patients can walk in or schedule an appointment for an STD evaluation and testing.

Along with STD testing, we provide urgent care X-rays, physicals, and chronic care management.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, get in contact with us and start taking care of your health.