Confidential STD Testing Clinic Q&A

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is crucial for various reasons, including early detection, prevention, and safeguarding your health. Since many STDs may not exhibit visible signs and symptoms therefore, early detection of STDs is essential to help patients receive the appropriate treatment to prevent the spread of infections. Dr. Kevin Penwell (D.O.), and his professional team provide confidential STD testing at Immediate Care of Oklahoma. If you think you may have an STD or are currently sexually active and haven’t been tested, don’t be embarrassed to contact us or book an appointment. Visit one of our locations in West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK.

Confidential STD Testing Clinic Near Me in West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 and Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK

The type of test you get for an STD will depend on which STD you have or suspect that you have. Testing is quick and quite easy. There is no single test for all STDs, your doctor can help decide which test or tests you will need.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests are done with a urine test, or in men, with a swab inserted into the penis. For women, they can be done with a swab from the cervix. The sample needs to be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed.

For HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, a blood test is required. In the case of syphilis, either a blood sample or a swab from any sores that you may have can be used for testing. These samples will be analyzed at a lab.

For genital herpes, there is not a good screening test. You can have this and never show any signs, but can easily infect others.

In the case of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer or genital warts, there is no real test for this. Most HPV infections in men are done with a visual inspection or biopsy of a genital wart. In women, tests are done to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. This is done during the PAP test. There is also an HPV test that is done with the PAP test for women who are 30 and older.

In some cases, a physical exam will be done to look for rashes, warts, sores, irritation or possibly discharge. They may test sores that they find in the genital region or anus.

Since some STDs act alike, you need to be tested for more than one.

How soon can you see symptoms of an STD?

It will depend on which STD/STI you have gotten as to when symptoms will appear. Sometimes symptoms can appear within a few days or weeks. Sometimes they may take months or years to manifest.

Here is what you can expect from the most common STDs.

Chlamydia: Symptoms usually show after 1 to 3 weeks but may start much later.

Genital Herpes: Symptoms can appear as soon as 4 to 7 days. But, symptoms may not appear for months or years.

Genital warts: Symptoms could start within 3 weeks to many months or maybe not for years.

Gonorrhea: Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks of being infected but might start much later.

Syphilis: Symptoms normally appear after 2 to 3 weeks.

HIV: Symptoms may appear in about 2 to 6 weeks.

What should I do if I have an STD?

Finding out you have an STD can be scary and disappointing. But, don’t get too upset. You will probably be okay; most people are. The best thing you can do when you learn that you have an STD is to follow your doctor’s instructions. You should probably tell everyone that you have been having sex with that you have one. It’s only fair and they will want to be tested and get treatment if they have gotten it.

Many STDs can be easily treated with medication. Some cannot, but there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent the sharing of those STDs. If you have an STD, you can be in a relationship, have sex, and live life normally. For more details, contact us today. You can also book an appointment online or simply walk-in. We have convenient locations to serve in Oklahoma City, OK. We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Norman (24th) OK, and Bethany OK.