Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue that affects nearly 20 million people every year. Most STDs don’t cause symptoms, and STD testing is the only way to know if you have an infection. At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating STDs. The state-of-the-art facility offers quick and discrete testing. Walk-ins are welcome. You can also call St. Michael’s Elite Hospital to get more information about STDs and testing.
STDs Q & A
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. STDs may be bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections.
Common types of STDs include:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis
- Trichomoniasis
STDs are very common and often develop without causing symptoms. When left untreated, STDs may cause other health complications, such as cancer or infertility.
Though STDs affect all people, women are more likely to experience more severe health complications.
When should I get tested for STDs?
You should get tested for STDs if you have concerns about an infection. You should also get tested for STDs if you engage in activities that place you at risk of contracting an STD, such as sex with more than one partner or sex with someone who has more than one sexual partner.
Not using condoms during sexual contact may also place you at a higher risk of getting an STD.
You may also need STD testing if you have symptoms that worry you, such as genital sores or warts, foul-smelling genital discharge, pain during intercourse, or pelvic pain.
What happens during testing for STDs?
Testing for STDs at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is a simple and quick process. The state-of-the-art facility guarantees admission to a private exam room within five minutes of entering the spa-like lobby.
Your provider asks questions about your health concerns. They also inquire about your sexual history and ask if you have any concerning symptoms. The information you provide helps them determine what type of STD testing you need.
Testing for STDs may require a urine or blood sample or a sample of genital secretions. Your provider may be able to diagnose herpes or genital warts after a physical exam.
The team sends the specimen to an outside lab for analysis, which provides results within 2-3 days.
How are STDs treated?
If you test positive for an STD, the team at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital provides the appropriate treatments.
For bacterial, parasitic, or fungal STDs, the team treats and clears up your infection with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. After your course of treatment, the team has you return for additional testing to make sure the infection is gone.
Currently, there are no cures for viral STDs like HPV or HIV. Treatment includes medications that manage symptoms.
For testing and treatment of STDs, call St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. Walk-ins are welcome.
