STD Testing

Daily Apple Clinic

Adult Care, Primary Care, & Family Nurse Practitioners located in Congress Park, Denver, CO

Every year, more than 20 million people in the United States learn they have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. As well, having one STD increases your chances of having other STDs, like HIV. It is important to be tested regularly if you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners. Knowing your STD status is the only way you can avoid giving the infection to others.

Paul Reynolds, FNP, Monica Schonteich, FNP, and the trained team at Daily Apple Clinic, conveniently located in Congress Park of Denver, Colorado, offer comprehensive STD testing and treatment to protect your health and the health of your partners. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

STD Testing Q & A

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites that are spread from one person to another, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. And, while common, many people may not have discernible symptoms. STDs should be treated as soon as you become aware of them, or they may lead to serious health problems.

Some of the most common STDs tested for at Daily Apple Clinic include:

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

What symptoms suggest I have an STD?

Persons with an STD may have the following symptoms:

Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Sores or warts around the genitals
Unusual vaginal odor
Anal or genital itching and redness
Pain during sex
Painful or frequent urination

What should I expect during STD testing?

Being tested is important. If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, you should be tested annually, even if you are not showing symptoms. STD testing is not a standard part of your annual physical, so please request testing if you have any concerns. Any discussion you have with your provider and any results from testing are always confidential.

Some STDs may be diagnosed during a physical exam or through microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can also diagnose other types of STDs. The clinic will send samples to the lab and receive your results within a few days. They will notify you as soon as they are available.

What treatments are available for STDs?

Antibiotics are typically used to treat STDs caused by bacteria or parasites. Viral STDs have no cure, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection. Some viral infections may also be treated with cryogenic or surgical procedures to remove infected tissue.

You can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading STDs with the use of latex condoms, however the most reliable way to avoid infection is simply to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Vaccines are also available to prevent HPV and Hepatitis B.

If you would like to discuss STD testing due to symptoms you are having or concerns about your sexual history, please call us at Daily Apple Clinic, or book an appointment online today.