The symptoms of most STIs and STDs start to show after roughly 2 to 3 weeks. Most patients experience small sores or ulcers on the genitals, rashes, or flu like symptoms. Some, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis show symptoms within a matter of days, whereas others like HIV are detectable by a test after about 3 months.

The STDs and STIs that can be easily tested for are chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, HIV and syphilis. There is no single, universal test that covers all possible STDs and STIs, as each STD and STI has its own testing requirements. A comprehensive series of tests may involve a urine test, a cheek swab, a blood test, a general physical checkup, fluid tests from sores and a swab test to check any discharges. You may also need to have different tests done depending on the types of sexual intercourse you have engaged in, the number of partners you have been sexually active with and how often you use protection. It is important to be honest with your doctor when asking for a test so you can receive the right tests and receive the right treatment.

If you are concerned or have been contacted by a current or former partner regarding a possible STD infection you should get tested as soon as you start to show symptoms or after about 3 months since your last sexual contact. You can be tested for many STDs even if you are not showing symptoms if you think you are at risk. Regardless of your STD diagnosis the most important steps you can take are to not panic and to seek advice from a professional in treating it. As some tests can take longer to indicate results than others, with HIV being one of the quickest, so make sure you don’t assume everything I fine if you don’t hear from your doctor.

Some STDs are curable or preventable while others are only treatable. Currently there are known curative measures that can be used to treat syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. While not curable, herpes simplex is relatively harmless and does not have constant symptoms. HPV and certain strains of Hepatitis can be prevented via vaccine, with the Hepatitis B vaccine often being administered during childhood. Unfortunately, there is no cure or preventative vaccine for HIV, thus the best preventative measures are physical prophylactics such as male and female condoms.

STDs and STIs are a fact of life, with most people getting one at least once in their lifetime. Having had an STI or STD is nothing to be ashamed of and it is perfectly possible to live a relatively normal life and have relatively normal sex life after being diagnosed with one. The important thing is to get tested and get information, so you know how best to proceed. At North Tex MedCare Clinic we offer confidential and comprehensive testing for STIs and STDs in the Addison, Texas area. If you believe you have been infected with an STD or STI please make an appointment and come see us at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Fort Worth TX, San Antonio TX, Addison TX, Terrell Hills TX, Carrollton TX, Richardson TX, China Grove TX, Farmers Branch TX, Hebron TX, Forest Hill TX, North Richland Hills TX, Leon Valley TX, White Settlement TX, and Highland Park TX.