Healthcare systems of all countries struggle to cope with the menace of STIs as millions of people get these infections each year. The majority of sexually transmitted diseases have no or very few symptoms that are non-specific.
Most STIs are curable with timely detection and treatment by a qualified physician. STIs are also preventable by using a condom during intercourse and avoiding sex with strangers and multiple partners. Keep scrolling down to learn about the causes of STIs and the significance of testing. Causes of STDs The most common cause of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is sexual contact with an infected person. Unprotected sexual contact can cause transmission of bacteria, viruses, or parasites from an infected partner. The infection spreads with subsequent sexual contacts, multiplying the chances of spread as STD viruses or bacteria infect healthy partners. Invasion of viruses and bacteria into the body through sexual contact causes sexually transmitted infections. There are several causes of STIs, like contact with bodily fluids like semen or vaginal discharge of the infected individual and sharing of needles during drug use. A sexually transmitted infection need not spread only through unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also transfer from the pregnant mother to the unborn child. Viruses and STIs STD tests can identify thirty types of sexually transmitted infections. Most STIs are bacterial or viral infections. There are several STD viruses responsible for different sexually transmitted infections. These are a few STIs because of viruses.
Treatment challenges of STIs Failure to notice symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and unwillingness to approach a physician because of stigma are the main challenges of STD treatment. Most individuals with an STD infection are ignorant about their STD status. It results in uncontrolled STD transmission. Many people are reluctant to use protection during intercourse, increasing the chances of STD transmission. Visiting an urgent care clinic for STD testing near me helps detect the infection without meeting the physician. These STD clinics allow walk-in STD testing facilities besides a facility of an on-site physician for consultation. Reputed urgent care clinics are popular because they provide anonymous STD testing and diagnosis. Getting tested is the first step towards recovery from most STDs. Importance of testing and treatment Knowing about the STD status is crucial for treatment and further spread of the sexually transmitted infection. Discussing sexual history or drug addiction helps your physician suspect an STD and recommend an appropriate test. You may visit an STD clinic for discreet testing if there is a history of unnatural or unprotected sex. The physician can plan the treatment for speedy recovery after determining the type of bacteria or STD viruses. Most STDs require treatment for the infected person and their sexual partners. It helps control the spread of the infection. One must avoid sex during the STD treatment.
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The month of October features several health days, dedicated to various medical conditions such as arthritis, meningitis, breast cancer, and others. The month also observes special days for spinal health, health of the elderly, eye health, and mental health.
With so many days dedicated to discussing about health matters, how much are we truly aware of our health? Right now, as you read this, are you sure you are healthy – physically, mentally, and sexually? Sexual health We mentioned sexual health separately because, often, people ignore this. Annual health exams also do not include STD tests. Although Arlington doctors office conducts STD tests, many people still shy away from undergoing a test. Mental health Just like sexual health, usually, people avoid talking about mental health too. In case of the latter, unfortunately, it is considered acceptable to be in stress. In today’s competitive world, stressed out individuals are regarded as more competent than their counterparts. People who prefer to stay relaxed and calm are labelled as non-ambitious and not having the “fire” to achieve something. However, “ambition” can sometimes lead to “combustion” of health. As you climb the ladder of success, it is crucial to keep your health in check, so that when you reach the top, you can enjoy your achievement. Without health, you cannot. Alexandria doctors office harbors doctors who are ready to listen to you, in case you feel unwell mentally or physically. Tips to keep yourselves healthy You can consider yourselves healthy when you are fit physically, mentally, and sexually. Certain diseases, especially sexually transmitted diseases, do not show symptoms. You believe you are fine, but you are not. That’s where regular health exams and STD tests come into play. They help you keep a tab on various aspects of your health. At the same time, having a close-knit family and a close friend or a group of friends can do wonders for your mental health. Socializing with productive and positive people improves your state of mind. So, here’s what you can do for your health: For physical health:
For sexual health:
For mental health:
Alexandria doctors office is just around the corner. If you feel unwell in any aspect, you can walk in and discuss your malaise with the doctor. Testing and treatment is available on the same day. Seasonal flu can pose a huge health risk to all family members unless you take adequate precautions. Every year, the seasonal flu results in missed workdays and decreased productivity. In the United States, the flu season typically peaks between December and February, but cases are reported as early as October and extend through May.
Influenza, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, especially threatens young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Given the potential seriousness of the flu, taking preventive measures and seeking efficient treatment for flu-related symptoms is crucial. As regular clinics and primary health care centers are busy dealing with the surge in cases, you can get quick and quality treatment at the nearest urgent care Arlington, VA facility. Preventing the flu begins with a simple yet essential step of getting the annual flu shot. Despite this recommendation, some people hesitate to get vaccinated due to concerns about vaccine safety, effectiveness, or their perceived low risk of contracting the flu. However, flu vaccines are safe, effective, and one of the best ways to protect yourself and your community from seasonal influenza. At your neighborhood urgent care Arlington, VA center, you can get vaccinated without an appointment or without having to wait in long queues. You can take some preemptive steps, like wearing adequate protection outdoors to reduce the risk of catching the flu. Regularly clean your home, including washing bedding and vacuuming to remove settled pollen. After being outside for a long time, shower and change clothes promptly to remove allergens from your skin and hair. By taking these proactive steps, you can minimize pollen exposure and alleviate the severity of your seasonal allergy symptoms. If there are visible symptoms of influenza, visit one of the specialist doctors in Arlington, VA, dealing with such infectious cases. At the urgent care center, you can visit them late evening or early morning as they work extended hours. Their services are also available on weekends and holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, explain your health condition, and get treated quickly. They might even prescribe some over-the-counter medications as part of the treatment process. Comprehensive Allergy Services at Urgent Care, Arlington, VA Top healthcare professionals at the leading urgent care in Arlington, VA, offer comprehensive services to help you manage seasonal allergies better. You can undergo skin and blood tests to identify the allergens causing the problem. Treatments are customized to meet the unique conditions and requirements of every patient. The doctors in Arlington, VA, urgent care are committed to educating patients on allergy prevention and management, empowering them to take an active role in their health care. Most clinics have the setup to provide personalized and quality care. Dealing with seasonal allergies can be challenging, but you can proactively manage your symptoms with the right support and resources. By staying informed, implementing prevention tips, using appropriate medications, and collaborating with skilled healthcare professionals at urgent care centers, you can minimize the impact of seasonal allergies on your life. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia, spread through unprotected sexual contact. STIs can also spread through blood transfusion, infected needles, and contact with infected bodily fluids. Diagnosing Sexually Transmitted Infections is challenging. These infections present vague or no symptoms, causing treatment delays and complications. However, a timely detection at an established urgent care clinic for STD testing near me promises early treatment and faster recovery.
About Sexually Transmitted Diseases An STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease is the next step of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Untreated sexually transmitted infections can be challenging to treat. It causes severe complications impacting the person's health. Some STDs are life-threatening if there is no proper treatment. However, STD testing is the only way to know the type of bacteria or virus responsible for the infection. Physicians can prescribe the right medication to treat the STD after getting the test results. Symptoms of STDs are non-specific and may cause missed diagnoses by general physicians. One may neglect these symptoms and continue to spread the STI through unprotected or unnatural sexual contact. The potential for spreading the disease is the most serious aspect of an STD infection. Infected persons pass on the infection to their partners in the absence of proper diagnosis and treatment. STIs are preventable and treatable. One must avoid sex with strangers and make use of condoms to avoid STIs. Periodic STD screening every six months is crucial to detect and treat Sexually Transmitted Infections. STD testing is the most reliable method to know the type of Sexually Transmitted Disease for treatment. Importance of STD screening It is common to be unaware of an STD infection because these diseases have no symptoms during the initial stages. Physicians try to check the possibility of an STD by knowing the patient's sexual history. STD testing is the best way to confirm STD viruses and bacteria. The following STD symptoms may be present sometimes: • Genital sores • Fever • Vaginal bleeding • Difficulty while urinating • Pain during intercourse • Swelling or itching around the genital area The symptoms may be more prominent as the Sexually Transmitted Infection progresses with no treatment. The individual with an STI may experience chills, weight loss, or diarrhea. Approaching an established urgent care STD testing near me will help faster detection and treatment of the Sexually Transmitted Disease. Prevention of STDs Casual sex, unnatural sex, and sex with strangers without protection expose you to over twenty different Sexually Transmitted Infections. Advances in medical science help physicians treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases using appropriate antibiotics. There are state-of-the-art STD testing facilities to detect sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Prevention of STD infections is the most suitable option to avoid these dreadful diseases. Sexually active individuals should visit a reputable urgent care clinic providing STD testing near me for regular screening. These clinics offer same-day STD testing and consultation service to help you save your time. You will have access to discreet STD testing without a physician's note. STDs are highly contagious, as these infections transmit rapidly through sexual contact. The incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases is growing with a lack of awareness about preventive measures and a tendency to enjoy casual sex with strangers. Any sexually transmitted infection involves the entry of STD viruses or bacteria into the body through sexual contact, blood transfusion, or exposure to infected semen, saliva, urine, or blood. Most STD infections present no symptoms causing a delay in the treatment. An infected person continues to spread the infection through sexual contact or other modes of transmission.
Significant features of STDs Sexually Transmitted Diseases, like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis spread through unprotected sex. There are several reasons for the rampant spread of these infections besides casual sex. These are:
Prevention of STDs is possible by using condoms or avoiding unnatural or casual sex with multiple partners. Regular screening at a reputed center for STD testing near me helps individuals in high-risk groups like sex workers, drug addicts, and pregnant ladies detect an STD in time. Prevention, screening, and timely diagnosis are the key parameters to fight the growing menace of sexually transmitted infections. Common STD symptoms Most STD symptoms are vague, resulting in the wrong diagnosis. A physician prefers to get an STD test report to confirm the presence of STD viruses or bacteria. The standard symptoms of STDs include:
The appearance of these symptoms may take weeks after the entry of STD viruses. The symptom-free period delays a visit to the doctor as the person transmits the disease to other people. It is the main reason for the unabated spread of STD infections besides failure to use condoms or avoiding casual sex with multiple partners. Standard STD infections Sexually Transmitted Infections involve the transmission of STD viruses or bacteria from an infected individual to a healthy person. STD infections affect men and women during their reproductive age. They must consider visiting a reputed STD clinic for a test if there is a history of unnatural or casual sex. These are common sexually transmitted infections:
Why is STD testing important Symptoms or no symptoms, one must consider STD testing following casual sex with a stranger or sex with multiple partners. Getting an STD test at a center for STD testing near me is crucial if you think you have a sexually transmitted infection because of sharing of needles or unnatural sex. STD tests detect STD viruses or bacteria by testing your blood, vaginal swab, semen, or saliva. Established STD testing centers provide access to anonymous testing without a doctor's order. An individual can walk-in into these facilities for same-day STD tests and consultations. Common STD symptoms are mild or absent during the initial stages of the infection. Visiting a qualified physician or getting tested for STD is necessary if you have mild symptoms of STD. The absence of symptoms is not the reason to avoid an STD test. The possibility of an STD infection increases if you know your partner has a sexually transmitted infection. Early detection of an STD infection helps you arrest the further infection spread, improving the chances of cure without adverse effects. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Out of all the four, diseases caused by viruses are the most dangerous because they cannot be cured yet. Medical science has advanced to the level that it is possible to suppress the viral load in blood so that the patient becomes non-infectious and can manage the disease to live a quality life; but there is still a long way to go before doctors can cure viral STDs.
STD viruses can enter your body through exchange of bodily fluids, mainly during sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and anal), sharing of needles, blood transfusion, from mother to baby during birth, and sharing of sex toys. Here are the commonest viral STDs prevalent in the world: 1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Many doctors call it the “doorway to hell” because untreated HIV can lead to AIDS wherein the virus “eats up” the patient’s immunity bit by bit, making his/her body so weak and vulnerable to opportunistic infections that, ultimately, they die. HIV is a special type of retrovirus, which can alter the DNA of the infected cell. 2. HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus): HSV 1 causes oral herpes and HSV 2 causes genital herpes. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to spread this virus, as it is usually spread through skin-to-skin contact. 3. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus): Scientists have discovered about 70 types of HPV, out of which 30 are spread through sexual contact. A report suggests that about 75 per cent of Americans have had this infection at some point of their lives. Certain high-risk HPV strains can even cause cancer in the reproductive organs of both males and females. The good thing about this virus is that it is known to go away on its own mostly. This is quite a blessing, looking at the alarmingly high per cent of infections prevalent among people. 4. Hepatitis: Hepatitis exists in various forms, but the B form is the most sinister, as it can damage the liver terribly. Hepatitis A and B usually spread through sexual activity; but A form is less serious. Doctors’ viewpoint: You must not take STD viruses lightly. They can wreak havoc with your whole body, if left untreated. A viral STD is not limited to the reproductive organ. Timely test and treatment can suppress the viral load and give the patient a new chance in life. Two biggest myths about Viral STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria are usually curable, but only when they are treated on time. When left untreated they take the form of serious health complications by spreading to other vital organs.
If you or anybody you know is doubtful about being exposed to an STD, you can comfortably visit your nearest urgent care clinic for a test and consultation. The clinic will keep your identity confidential upon request. Here is a glimpse of STDs caused by bacteria. 1. Chlamydia: Chlamydia is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect vagina, penis, cervix, anus, urethra, throat, and eyes. 2. Gonorrhea: Popularly called Clap, this STD is caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae. It can infect vagina, penis, anus, and mouth. People indulging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex can get infected. 3. Syphilis: Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It spreads through sores that arise on the genitals, anal area, or on the mouth. Doctors often call it the “the great imitator,” as it produces signs and symptoms that are similar to that of other common diseases. Out of the STDs caused by bacteria, this is the one that people often overlook due to its deceptive symptoms. When left untreated this STD can wreak havoc with your body, including making the patient blind or damaging his/her brain and nervous system. 4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: This isn’t an STD itself, but is a consequence of not treating STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It happens when the Chlamydia or gonorrhea bacterium spreads from the vagina or cervix to reach the fallopian tubes, uterus, pelvis, and ovaries. 5. Mycoplasma Genitalium: This has recently been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the urethra, anus, cervix, and throat. Doctors usually associate this condition with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). It causes non-gonococcal urethritis. It is found to spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral), through sex toys, or through hands or fingers that were in contact with an infected person’s genitals or anus. 6. Vaginitis: Vaginitis, also called BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) or Yeast, can be caused by bacteria, virus, yeast, and other STD parasites. Certain other sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginitis. Factors like allergens, poor hygiene, and chemicals present in soap and perfumes can also trigger this condition. It can happen to women of all ages. 7. Lymphogranuloma Venereum: This is a chronic infection caused by a different kind of bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It affects the lymphatic system and is spread through sexual activity. (Bacterium that causes chlamydia is different from this one). In addition, Chancroid is caused by bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It is observed that Americans who were diagnosed with this infection had traveled outside the US. One rare STD caused by bacteria is Donovanosis, also called “flesh-eating STD,” as it causes thick, red, ulcer-like sores on the genital that eventually eats up or damages the genital tissues. It is caused by bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis. Please visit your nearest urgent care clinic to undergo discreet STD test and ensure your sexual health. Skin tags are small ( often unsightly) growths on surface of the skin. They are usually benign and painless and do not increase in size. They can be located anywhere on the body, but are usually positioned on the neck, armpits, trunks and folds.
Skin tags typically do not require any treatment, but many want them removed for cosmetic reasons, especially if they are located on the face or neck. You can of course experience some discomfort. A 20-year-old receptionist in a hotel in Alexandria says, “ I have skin tags. They get trapped in my clothes or jewelry and lead to redness, swelling or even bleeding. I conveniently got them removed at an urgent care facility” According to a doctor in a walk-in clinic Alexandria VA, “ We treat it by freezing (cryosurgery) or electrically burning it off, also called cauterization”. If properly excised, skin tags will not grow again at the same location. A board-certified dermatologist is of the opinion that skin tags have a genetic component to them. “ People whose parents had them are more likely to get them”. What factors increase the risk of getting skin tags? Adults more than children have skin tags. That being said, doctors opine that a few factors play a role in the development of skin tags.
Should you try to get rid of skin tags at home? Definitely not, say dermatologists. People must keep in mind that not all things that look like small growths on the skin are skin tags. Patients often come to doctors’ offices in pain because they tried to clip it themselves. By doing it so, you run the risk of infection, trauma, or bleeding. A good bet is to visit an urgent care facility. The doctor will numb the area, snip it off and burn the base. A visit to a walk-in clinic Alexandria VA does not need an appointment. It is open 7 days a week and possibly even during extended hours. Are urgent care safe places to visit during this Covid-19 pandemic? Covid-19 apparently has waned quite a bit. Even otherwise, urgent care clinics have a long-standing commitment towards the healthcare needs of the patients as well as the doctors and staff. It is true that at the height of the pandemic, many urgent care clinics temporarily paused services. Thanks to the efforts of the government and cooperation by the public, the spread of Covid-19 has considerably declined. Most urgent care units are now functioning as they did during the pre-pandemic days. As per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are a sexually active man or woman, you must pay greater attention to your sexual health. This includes undergoing a test in case of doubt of exposure and practicing safe sex. Although most STDs are asymptomatic, you must not ignore certain signs and symptoms of STD.
Never ignore these signs and symptoms Itching in the genital area, abnormal vaginal discharge, penile discharge, burning sensation during urinating, pain during sex, sores or blisters in the genital area or on the mouth, and skin rash are a few of the initial signs of a sexually transmitted infection. Ignoring them can lead to serious health complications later. According to doctors, pathogens that cause STDs tend to stay in your body for years. They may not cause symptoms, but they silently damage your reproductive organs. If left untreated for a long time, they can spread to other organs. Where to undergo STD test? STD clinic in DC is one of the best places to undergo a test. You need not visit a hospital for a test anymore. The urgent care clinic is centrally located and easily accessible. Besides, it is open all days of the week. The best part is that you need no appointment to consult a doctor here or undergo a test. Just walk in. You would be seen in less than 30 minutes. If you are sure what test you need, you can simply walk in and ask for a test. One of the noteworthy features of the clinic is that it keeps the identity of patients confidential upon request. This saves you from embarrassment. Your name is not entered in their records. You can visit the clinic discreetly, get tested, do the billing, and go. In addition, the clinic is affordable. In fact, it proves to be relatively 70 per cent cheaper than a typical hospital. You can expect to get excellent and immediate medical care through qualified doctors and staff at an affordable rate. What can be better than this? Do you still have a reason to not undergo a test? With such a convenient STD testing facility in DC, are you still procrastinating a visit to the clinic? Feeling fine is no excuse for skipping a test. As mentioned earlier, most STDs show no symptoms. You may be infected unknowingly. And if, at any point of your life, you indulged in unprotected sex, you have a strong reason to visit the clinic. According to doctors, even a single sexual activity can infect you. It does not matter whether you had unprotected sex years ago. The viruses and bacteria are known to live in the body for years together! So, if you care for yourselves and your partner, you must not delay STD testing. STD clinic in DC is just across the bridge. Pledge to be more careful about your sexual health. And it’s not just about you. It’s also about your future baby because an infected mother can easily transmit the infection to her baby. Certain STDs are so deadly, if you leave then untreated, they can spread to your other organs and permanently damage them. They can even render you blind or brain damaged! Some can render you infertile for life, while others can create painful complications that can snatch the joy from your life.
One such disease is chlamydia. It is a perfectly curable disease, provided you catch it on time and treat it. If not, this perfectly curable disease can bring a health disaster later in life. The good thing is that you can easily get tested for chlamydia at your nearest urgent care clinic. They offer same day chlamydia test and treatment. So, you need not be scared of this deadly disease. Ignorance is not bliss in case of STDs It is often our own negligence that makes a simple thing complicated. Chlamydia is a simple bacterial infection that can be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, people’s negligence or ignorance turns it into a complicated health condition. If you are ignorant of STDs, then you must educate yourselves about them. Every sexually active person must know about sexually transmitted diseases too. This helps you take necessary steps towards maintaining your sexual safety and health. However, if you are aware of STDs like chlamydia, yet do nothing despite being exposed, then you are acting irresponsibly. Yes, it’s true that STDs are attached with social stigma and most of us find it too awkward to talk to our family physician. However, acting ignorant in spite of being aware and being exposed can do more harm than good to you. Remember Infections do not go away by themselves. They need treatment. Untreated infections can turn deadly. Timely chlamydia treatment can cure you completely and save you from horrible complications later in life. If you are pregnant, it can save your baby. Changing world, changing climate, changing disease scenarios It’s a changing world. After the pandemic, one lesson we learned is to not ignore our health, especially the first signs and symptoms of an infection. The more you delay, the worse the infection gets. A new study released in the Nature Climate Change journal reveals the discovery of 1006 unique pathways through which climatic hazard led to pathogenic disease via various types of transmission. In the study, researchers have found that 58 per cent of known infectious diseases occurring in humans have worsened in this climate change scenario that features various extreme weather events. This means, in the coming years, we must be more careful with regard to infectious diseases. We cannot afford to stay ignorant or stay silent. We need to be more responsible for our own health. Amidst this grim scenario, urgent care clinics emit a ray of hope. They are located at easily accessible spots. You can effortlessly walk in and ask for a test or consultation. Avail yourselves same day chlamydia test and treatment. No appointment is needed for the test. Make sure you also bring along your partner to ensure his or her sexual health. |
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