Getting an STD Check: How Long Does it Take to Get STD Results?

With COVID-19 taking precedence, it is more important than ever that people prioritize their health in every way. Diet and exercise are definitely key factors in maintaining a healthy body, but what about sexual health? The subject of sexual health is often avoided, however, it is just as important.

Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine offers STD/STI testing and treatment. Keep in mind that STD results are sent out to a lab for analysis can take as little as two days to come back. Read on to learn more about STDs and testing.

What is an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are “generally acquired through sexual contact, [where] bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal, and other bodily fluids,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

STI vs STD: What is the Difference?

So why the confusion between sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections? Well, the name change from STDs to STIs came about to address a common “stigma” or stereotype that developed over time, according to the Power to Decide.

For many years, all STDs were lumped together under the category of “disease.” The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) mentions that the term “infection” rather than “disease” is more accurate because while diseases typically have identifiable symptoms, infections may not . Using the name STD also assumes that all sexually transmitted viruses are diseases but, in actuality, not all STDs turn into what is considered a disease. So in some cases STI is a more appropriate term.

Why Get Tested for STDs/STIs?

STDs/STIs are very common, which is especially true when it comes to young adults. According to the CDC, “there were 26 million new sexually transmitted infections in 2018 in the United States [and] about half of these infections [were] in people between the ages of 15 and 24.”

These illnesses are prevalent among the 15-to-24 age group due to multiple risk factors. This age group tends to have more sexual partners, but are less likely to get an STD check since it is a difficult subject to discuss with their healthcare providers.

In a perfect world STDs/STIs would go away within a couple days, but the fact is that they are difficult to manage without a healthcare professional. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts it bluntly, if STDs/STIs go unmonitored, they can cause serious complications such as infertility. Some of these infections can occur without symptoms and not make themselves known until they develop into something more serious.

Luckily, with the advancement of healthcare we have developed ways to treat and prevent many of these STDs/STIs. Some can be managed or even cured through medication. Knowing this might make people less fearful about these illnesses, but it is vital that people take advantage of these STD checks and screenings to stay healthy and protect others. If you are sexually active it is important to get tested and know your status.

Which STD Screening or Tests Are Available? How Do You Test for STDs/STIs?

There are different options on how to test for STDs. These tests include: blood tests, urine tests and swab tests. For illnesses such as gonorrhea and chlamydia the test can be as simple as a quick urine sample or vaginal swab. Other STDs/STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis can be diagnosed using a blood test.

Does Urgent Care do STD Testing?

Yes, urgent cares like Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado offer STD testing. Some of the STDs/STIs that we test or treat at our clinics include but are not limited to: gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, genital herpes, HIV testing, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and syphilis.

STD/STI testing is common with many of our providers stating they treat patients almost daily for concerns related to their sexual health. An urgent care visit with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational can be reserved online. View our clinic locations and reserve your spot for a visit online by clicking here.

How Much is an STD Test?

The send-out lab tests are usually covered under most insurances. We recommend that you check with your insurance provider for details regarding your specific insurance coverage for the STD testing cost. At Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine we also offer self-pay pricing if you do not have insurance.

How Long Does it Take to Get STD Test Results?

According to our urgent care providers, you can get your send-out test results in as little as two days, but just know we will treat your symptoms while you wait. We will also refer you for additional treatment if we cannot help you at one of our facilities.

Take Care of Your Sexual Health: Get Tested Today!

Aren’t sure where to get tested for STDs? Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado has locations across the Denver metro area. Our clinics are open 7 days a week and walk-ins are welcome. Click here to reserve your spot online for an urgent care visit to get tested.