STD Testing

About one-fifth of Americans currently have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) — and if you’re among them, it’s important to be aware of it so you can get the treatment you need quickly. Clinica Latina is ready to help you do that in Irving, Texas, through on-site STD testing and treatment. The practice is primarily Spanish-speaking, but all staff members also speak fluent English. Book your appointment online or call the office to arrange your STD testing now. 

What is STD testing?

STD testing is medical testing that determines whether you have a sexually transmitted disease. Among the most common STDs are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichomoniasis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDs)

Pubic lice isn’t an STD but is often categorized with STDs since the condition is transferred during sexual encounters. 

At Clinica Latina, STD testing involves screening for all of these diseases and conditions.

Why is STD testing important?

STD testing is vitally important because some STDs can cause severe health problems like infertility, pregnancy complications, and even death. For example, HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.

Some STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, don’t cause symptoms, so they can cause damage silently. STD testing can help you identify the illness early and get the treatment you need before complications occur.

STD testing is also important to protect the health of your partners because it prevents you from unknowingly transferring a disease to them.   

When do I need STD testing?

You should schedule STD testing if you experience possible STD symptoms such as:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Burning or pain during urination
• Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
• Genital or anal sores, bumps, or warts
• Genital or anal rashes
• Lymph node swelling
• Fever

If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to have STD testing on a regular basis, for example, during your women’s health exams. 

What is the STD testing process?

At Clinica Latina, STD testing is tailored to your needs. Some of the tests that you may need are: 

• Blood draw
• Urine test
• Swab of genital discharge
• Cervical swab
• Routine health checks like temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
• External genital exam
• Internal pelvic exam (in women)

Your samples go to the lab for analysis. Then, based on your results, you can start any necessary treatment. Some STDs, like chlamydia and syphilis, respond to antibiotics. Antiviral medications can control viruses such as HPV and HIV.

During treatment, you must abstain from sex until you’re not contagious. 

How can I prevent STDs?

The only 100% effective method of STD prevention is abstinence. However, you can greatly reduce the spread of STDs by using a condom during sex. Reducing risky behaviors, like having multiple partners, also lowers your risk of getting and spreading STDs.

STD testing protects your health and that of your partners. To schedule your testing, call Clinica Latina or book your appointment online today.