Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread from one person to another during any type of sexual intercourse. They’re very common and may not always cause symptoms. If you or a loved one is concerned about a possible STD, then you may be wondering, “Can urgent care do STD testing?”
Coastal Urgent Care of Ruston has an on-site lab, so you can get same-day STD testing and results so you can feel better sooner. The most common types of STDs include:
- Human papillomavirus infection (HPV)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that causes warts in various parts of the body. Many people with HPV, however, do not develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. We recommend girls and women between the ages of 10 and 26 get vaccinated to protect against genital warts and cervical cancer. - Genital herpes
A common STD that causes pain and sores around the genital area and the anus that can persist for years. Unfortunately, there is no cure for genital herpes, but certain antiviral medications can help prevent or shorten outbreaks. Condoms (or a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex over the female genitals) are the best way to prevent contracting genital herpes during all types of intercourse. - Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
These are very common STDs that are caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms are rare, but they’re easy to treat with antibiotics once diagnosed. Condoms (or a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex over the female genitals) are the best way to prevent contracting chlamydia or gonorrhea during all types of intercourse. - Syphilis
A bacterial infection is usually spread by sexual contact. It begins as a painless sore, typically on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. It can be successfully treated with an intramuscular injection of long-acting Benzathine penicillin. The best way to prevent syphilis is by using a condom (or a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex over the female genitals) every time you have intercourse of any kind, including oral.
STD testing at urgent care
Anyone needing routine or precautionary STD tests can visit Coastal Urgent Care of Ruston instead of their primary care physician. It’s an easy, fast, and affordable alternative that helps you get the peace of mind you need on the same day. Depending on your unique situation, your urgent care clinician may take one or more of these tests:
- A blood draw or finger prick
- A urine sample
- A saliva sample (from the inside of the mouth)
- A swab sample from the genitals (urethra in men and cervix in women)
- A swab sample from any discharge or sores
When you’re not feeling well, or are worried you may have contracted an STD, waiting for a diagnosis can be particularly distressing. Our on-site lab gives us the capability to not only conduct and process blood tests, urine tests, saliva tests, and other types of lab work on the same day, but it also allows our physicians to diagnose and begin treatment on the same day.
Visit Coastal Urgent Care of Ruston for convenient, fast, and affordable STD testing. We can provide the answers and treatment you need to feel better quickly. We are open for walk-in appointments 7 days a week.
