Sexual health is extremely important and something that should never be ignored. But many people may find it difficult to know exactly what to do or how to fully protect themselves to ensure that their sexual health is always taken care of. It is no secret that STDs carry a lot of stigma; however, they are extremely common. And when any type of intimate skin-to-skin contact is involved with another person, STDs can occur to anyone at any age. Although STDs are most common among young women and men, it is possible for anyone to get an STD.
At STD Free Los Angeles, we understand that patients may feel uncomfortable speaking about their sexual health, along with STD testing; however, our caring and compassionate team are here to help you every step of the way and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Certain factors such as age and the number of sexual partners you have play a role in how often you should get tested for STDs. For instance, if you have more than one partner, share intravenous needles (IV), or you don’t always practice safe sex by using a condom each time you have intercourse, then it is recommended to get tested every three to six months. The basic rule of thumb, though, is as long as you are sexually active then you should be tested at least once a year.
It is extremely important to get tested because when STDs are caught early, it results in better outcomes for many diseases. STDs can be treated and even cured when caught early. However, those that are not curable can still be managed once you find out that you have it.
If you are searching for a compassionate team that is committed to providing the best service for our patients to protect and maintain their reproductive health, the team at STD Free Los Angeles is here to help you every step of the way. Our team offers free STD testing for those who qualify and we also accept most types of insurance. Feel free to contact our team to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
When Should I Get Tested for STDs After Unprotected Sex?
If you have had unsafe sex, it is best to wait a couple of weeks to get tested, as some viruses do not show up right away. It is best to contact our team to discuss the best time for an STD test and schedule it now, to avoid any delay in treatment if necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be linked to an STD or another infection, then don’t hesitate to contact our office and we can provide you with the testing and help you need right away. You should never wait until your symptoms subside, as delaying treatment can make things worse later down the line.
Symptoms of STDs
It is important to know that symptoms of STDs are not always apparent, so it is possible to be infected and not know it, which is why it is so important to get tested regularly.
Some symptoms of STDs include but are not limited to:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals, rectal or oral area
- Burning or painful urination
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Odorous vagina or discharge
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Painful sex
- Itching around the vulva, vagina, or anus
- Lower abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Non-specific symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, rashes or weight loss
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is extremely important to contact our team to schedule a STD testing free at STD Free Los Angeles as soon as possible. Our team is here to help provide you with the help you need.
How Much Does an STD Test Cost?
If you are looking for STD test free Los Angeles, our team offers free testing for individuals who qualify. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with the care they need to maintain their reproductive health. Contact our team to learn if you qualify for free STD testing California.
Should I Get Tested If I Want to Get Pregnant?
If you are currently pregnant or planning to get pregnant, it is important to get tested as soon as possible, as some infections can be passed onto your baby.
How Can I Prevent STDs?
The only way to prevent STDs completely is by abstaining from intimate skin-to-skin contact. However, you can lower your risk of contracting STDs by:
- Having only one, monogamous partner
- Using a condom during intercourse
- Getting an HPV vaccine
- Getting annual wellness exams and STD tests
If you would like to schedule an appointment for STD testing or have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our team today.
About STD Free Los Angeles
At STD Free Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to providing patients with the care that they need to maintain their reproductive health. Our team understands that many individuals may be uncomfortable discussing their sexual health; however, we encourage our patients to get tested as often as they should to prevent further infection. It is extremely important to know that STDs are not always apparent, so it is possible for many people to live with an STD without ever knowing it, spreading further infection to others. At STD Free Los Angeles, we are here to help provide you with the specialized care that you need and deserve. To learn more about the STD testing that we offer, feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment.