Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) also referred to as sexually transmitted infections, are caused by organisms such as viruses and bacteria and spread from one person to another through sexual contact. It may also spread from an infected pregnant mother to the infant during pregnancy or childbirth or during the process of blood transfusions or when infected needles are shared.
A major reason for the rapid spread of STDs is the absence of specific and clear symptoms. A person may appear apparently very healthy but could be carrying an infection even without their knowledge. That’s why it is important to be careful and conscious about your sexual health. In most STDs, the symptoms are not noticeable.
The only way to know whether you are infected or in the clear is by getting yourself tested. Make sure you visit a reputed and established Arlington STD testing clinic to get tested quickly and reliably.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms To Look For
There are a wide range of symptoms associated with STDs. Some individuals may not even exhibit any symptoms even when they are infected. The condition goes unnoticed in such cases, which is a very risky and dangerous situation as they could go on to infect others as well. Clinical diagnosis is the only way of confirming whether a person is STD positive or negative.
Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for are:
- Sores or other forms of disruptions on the skin, especially in the genital, rectal, or oral areas
- A burning or painful sensation during urination
- Unusual discharges from the penis
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Bleeding in the vagina for no apparent reason
- Extremely pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- An unusual rise in body temperature
- Unexplained appearance of sores in the body that refuses to heal
- Rashes on the hands and/or feet
These signs generally appear a few days after you are exposed to STD but in some individuals, it may take a longer time – a few weeks or even months. Depending on the kind of STD and the virus or bacteria involved, some may not have any noticeable problems even for many years. A visit to the nearest Arlington STD testing facility will help in putting all doubts to rest.
Why It Is Crucial To Get Tested
The best way of ensuring that you stay in the clear is to see a physician if you have any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms of the infection. It is advisable that you get tested for STD infection if you are sexually active and have had unprotected sex or indulged in any unhealthy or risky behavior such as sharing needles in the recent past.
Having sexual contacts with multiple partners will also put you at a very high risk of contracting STD. If you already have suffered a sexually transmitted infection in the past, you are more likely to catch an infection if you do not follow safe sexual practices. Search online for ‘STD testing near me’ to locate a clinic that offers comprehensive and confidential STD testing service.
Xpress Care Urgent Care Clinic is the best Arlington STD testing facility, committed to providing urgent and comprehensive health care on a walk-in basis. You can find this ‘STD testing near me’ with a simple online search as it is conveniently located near the Crystal City metro station. Walk in without an appointment and get tested without having to wait for a long time.