STD Testing

Every year, more than 20 million people in the United States find out they have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Although many people have noticeable symptoms, it’s possible to carry an STD — and pass it along — without showing any signs of infection. Hayk Papukhyan, MD, Alina Ter-Grigorian, NP, and the team at Care Now Medical Group in North Hollywood, California, offer comprehensive STD testing and treatment to ensure your health. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases are spread through sexual contact. Traditional intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex are all types of sexual contact that can spread diseases.

Some of the most common STDs that the team at Care Now Medical Group tests for include:

• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Syphilis

If you’re sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship, testing is important because many of these STDs don’t present with outward symptoms.

What symptoms suggest I have an STD?

Women with an STD may have:

• Anal itching
• Genital itching
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during urination
• Sores or warts around the genitals
• Unusual vaginal odor

Because many STDs cause no outright symptoms, you should get tested if you’re sexually active. You should get tested right away if you have any symptoms at all or changes in the way your genitals look or feel.

What should I expect during STD testing?

STD testing is not a standard part of your annual physical, so you must request it. This can feel awkward or embarrassing, but know that the team at Care Now Medical Group is compassionate and discreet when conducting any STD screenings.

Testing may involve a urine screening, blood test, or mouth swab. The providers may have you undergo a pelvic exam during which they look for signs of infection and take swabs of your vaginal fluid and any visible sores.

The team sends samples to a lab, and you’re notified as soon as the results are available.

What treatments are available for STDs?

You can contract an STD even if you practice safe sex. As many as 20 million new cases of STDs are diagnosed each year.

In many cases, a course of antibiotics clears up your STD. In other instances, you may need to use a topical cream for a prescribed period of time.

For some STDs, no cure is available, but you can control symptoms with prescription medication.

If you need STD testing due to symptoms or your sexual history, call Care Now Medical Group or book an appointment online today.