It is simple and private to get tested for and treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The majority of infections are curable. A Tampa STD clinic, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, or sexual health clinic (SHC) specializes in sexual health and offers testing and treatment for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Free condoms and contraceptives are also available, along with contraception advice. Other services provided by some sexual health clinics include hepatitis A and B vaccinations, HIV prevention medication, assistance following sexual assault, pregnancy testing, and guidance on abortion.
STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are contracted by vaginal, oral, or anal contact with an infected person. Among the most prevalent infections worldwide are sexually transmitted diseases. Regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, anyone can contract an STD. The majority of STDs are simple to cure. However, failing to treat an STD can result in many health problems. It can lead to infections in the rectum, uterus or fallopian tubes, prostate, testicles, or other body regions. Additionally, it may result in infertility, which is the inability to conceive or conceive with your spouse, as well as difficulties with a healthy pregnancy.
Thing to Expect During a Visit to Tampa STD Clinic
You can schedule a visit to a Tampa STD clinic. You might not require an appointment because some sexual health clinics also provide a drop-in clinic. However, it is a good idea to check by calling the sexual health clinic first. There is no need for you to feel ashamed. These clinics’ staff members are accustomed to testing for a variety of infections. They would not judge you; it is their job. They will put you at ease and explain everything to you.
A sexual health clinic is open to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or symptom status. The clinic will not disclose the service to your parents if you are younger than sixteen. They may need to notify other healthcare services if they believe you or another young person is in danger, but they will first speak with you. Your name and certain contact information will be requested when you visit a sexual health clinic. If you choose not to, you are under no obligation to reveal your true name. It will be kept private if you do. Without your consent, your visit would not be shared with your general practitioner. Provide the clinic with your accurate contact information in case the results of any tests you have are not available at the time of your visit. The clinic will inquire about your preferred method of receiving your results. Usually, you can get them by phone, text, or in an unmarked letter.
A nurse or doctor will visit you and inquire about your past sexual and medical history. Be ready to respond to inquiries concerning your sexual history, such as when you last had sex, if you have engaged in unprotected intercourse, if you are experiencing any symptoms, or the reasons you believe you may be infected. If you would like, you can request to see a male or female physician or nurse, but you may have to wait longer than normal for one to become available.
STD Testing & Results
What tests the doctor or nurse believes you require will be communicated to you. They ought to describe the situation and the rationale for the tests they are recommending. Ask them to clarify anything you are unsure of. Tell them whether you want a man or a woman to administer the test, or if you would prefer a chaperone to be present in the room with you. This might be a trained staff member, another nurse, or someone you know. A urine (pee) sample, a blood sample, urethral swabs, a genital examination, and, if you are female, vaginal swabs—which you may typically perform on your own—are among the tests you might undergo.
A urine sample or a woman’s self-taken swab is typically all that is needed for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. HIV testing necessitates a blood sample. A blood sample is required for syphilis testing, and if you have ulcers, a swab may also be collected. Herpes tests are typically not performed unless you have anus or genital sores. A swab will be removed from a sore in this instance. For a while, this will be uncomfortable.
Some tests allow you to receive the results the same day, along with any necessary treatment. You may have to wait a week or two for others. The Tampa STD clinic will inquire about your preferred method of receiving your findings if this is the case. You will be asked to return to the clinic to discuss your results and the necessary treatment if you test positive for an STD. Antibiotics can heal several sexually transmitted diseases. While there are medicines for certain infections, including HIV, there is no cure for others. The clinic can connect you with a counselor and offer you advice on these. Inform your sexual partner and any past partners if at all possible so they can also be tested and treated. The clinic can typically handle this for you if you do not want to; it is known as partner notification, and they would not disclose your identity.
Preventive Measures to Avoid STDs
Using a condom each time you have sex is the best approach to prevent contracting or spreading an infection. You can practice safer sex by using the condoms that the clinic can provide. When purchasing condoms, make sure the package bears the CE or BSI kite marks. This indicates that they have undergone extensive safety testing. Avoid using condoms without the CE or BSI kite marks because they do not meet these criteria. Remember that an STD can recur and that having had it once does not render you immune to it.
Conclusion
The best specialists in STD testing and treatment are found in sexual health and GUM clinics, but you can also visit your general practitioner, a Tampa STD clinic, a community contraception clinic, a young people’s sexual health program, or a drugstore. They might be able to tell you where to get more assistance and provide tests for certain infections.
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