The Importance of STD Testing
January 30, 2023
Why You Should Get STD Tested
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are more common than most people think. Millions of new cases are reported every year. However, according to the American Sexual Health Association, only 12% of young people, who make up about half of all new STD cases, are tested. So, getting tested, especially if you are sexually active, is important. You may be asymptomatic and not know that you have an STD. Some more reasons that you should get tested include:
- Trust in Your Relationship: Relationships are built on trust. STDs are something that all partners must think about before engaging in sexual activities. Getting tested at the start of your relationship helps to build trust between partners.
- Virgins Can Get STDs: Several STDs can be transmitted from skin-to-skin contact. Also, the word “virgin” is different for everyone. For some, it is those who have not had vaginal intercourse, while for others it is someone who has never engaged in any intimate activities. A “virgin” who has only done oral sex can get an STD such as HPV, Herpes, and Syphilis.
- Connections to Serious Health Concerns: Some STDs have a connection to other serious health concerns. For example, HPV has a connection to cervical cancer, but it can also cause cancer of the penis, anus, vagina, and vulva. If you know you have an STD that can cause cancer, you can keep an eye out for the early warning signs and get it treated early on.
- Controlling Your Sexual Health: Testing allows you to remain in control of your sexual life. Regular testing, regardless of your sexual situation, helps you know and control how the rest of your sexual life will go. There will be no need to worry, or you can get treated for the STD that you may have contracted.
Contact Us Today to Schedule STD Testing!
WesTex Urgent Care is an STD testing facility serving the Midland, TX community. Getting tested for STDs is something that all people should consider. Despite popular belief, some studies have shown that most people who have an STD are asymptomatic. Yet, so few people get tested. Beyond just knowing if you have one or not, testing helps build trust in relationships, allows you to control your sexual situation, and can provide you with a better picture of your overall health. Contact us today to schedule your STD testing appointment!
WesTex Urgent Care offers COVID-19 vaccines to the Odessa, TX area. Click here to learn more about how often you should get a COVID-19 booster!
Getting the flu shot each year comes with numerous benefits. If you're looking for a flu clinic in the Midland & Odessa, TX areas, visit WesTex Urgent Care!
Learn about antibody testing for Coronavirus and visit us at WesTex Urgent Care if you need rapid COVID-19 testing in the Midland and Odessa, TX area.
At WesTex Urgent Care, we are a Coronavirus testing center. Visit us if you need rapid COVID-19 testing in the Midland and Odessa, TX area.
WesTex Urgent Care would like to share a little bit about Coronavirus/COVID-19. First of all, so much of our country is operating in panic mode right now, which is causing so much fear to happen, it is hard to believe. Most often panic is based on fear, fear of the unknown. Some of that is understandable at the present time because COVID 19 is a new virus. It is never been reported before, so none of us have any natural immunity to it. Let's start with the facts. Understanding more about the virus and educating the public on it should help reduce unnecessary panic. Knowledge is power! We should try to use some common sense and logical thinking on how we are going to treat the Coronavirus infection. 1. Coronavirus/COVID19 is a viral infection. There is no specific treatment for it, we only treat the symptoms. With a mortality rate currently estimated to be at 3-4%, that means 96-97% of people who contract coronavirus will recover just fine with only supportive care. One major difference between influenza and coronavirus is the incubation period. It is 7-14 days with coronavirus but only 2-5 days with influenza. 2. There are no readily available testing kits anywhere at the present time. There are limited test kits available which is why they are trying to make sure that tests are being used judiciously. There is a testing center in Odessa. Although coronavirus may present with symptoms similar to a cold or the flu, the only people that meet criteria to be tested for coronavirus at the present time are those that have either been exposed to someone with known coronavirus infection or those that have been to areas such as China, Japan, Iran, Italy, and a few other countries around the world. Testing may still require approval from the Texas Department of Health. 3. Please do not get out in public if you are sick unless it is necessary. Many people that are ill can be screened at home. This would be a great time to access our Virtual Visits which can be accomplished by going to our website, https://www.westexurgentcare.com/virtual-visit-confirmation. 4. There have been no reported cases in our area yet as of today. The nearest reported cases are in the Dallas and San Antonio area. So please do not go to the store and try to buy all of the disinfectant materials such as hand wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves. and other things similar. There are many people that are ill right now with cold and flu like symptoms. At WesTex Urgent Care we are trying to be proactive in caring for our patients who may present with symptoms suspicious for coronavirus. It is important to understand that there is only limited testing available for coronavirus. There is no commercially available test kit for checking for coronavirus. If you think you may have the coronavirus, we encourage you to call our clinic or go to our website and access our clinic via a virtual visit. This will be alive face-to-face conversation with a local healthcare provider, and we can advise you on the most appropriate care for your condition. As with all viral infections, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze is very important. This followed by appropriate hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer. If you have a mask available and you are ill by all means put that on whenever you are in a public place. We want to be there for all of the Permian Basin to help everyone understand this pandemic. But panic in this situation is not helpful. Please feel free to call us at any of our three locations in Midland and Odessa, TX, or again access our virtual visits via our website. We will be more than glad to help you with any of your health care needs.
Learn about the differences between urgent care and an emergency room visit. Visit us at WesTex Urgent Care for your urgent care needs in Midland and Odessa, TX.
