STD Testing

Many people are embarrassed to talk about or seek help for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), yet STD testing is the only way to find out if you have an infection and get the best treatment. Deon Middlebrook, MD, and the skilled physicians at Detroit Sherwood Urgent Care in Detroit, Michigan, are available to give you support, answer your questions, and provide the testing and medical care you may need. Most importantly, don’t wait to get tested. Untreated STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, prostate infections, and cancer, and also affect an unborn baby. Call the office or book online today to learn more about STD testing.

When would I need STD testing?

You should have STD testing if your partner is diagnosed with an STD, when you have a new partner, or if you have multiple partners.

You also need to get tested if you have STD symptoms like: 

• Bumps, blisters, or warts on your genitals
• Painless sores on your genitals
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Pain during sex
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently

Some STDs cause a sore throat, headache, fever, and fatigue.

What type of STD testing will I need?

Each STD requires a specific type of testing. Your provider may need a blood or urine sample or a swab from your throat, genitals, cervix, or sores. When your results are back, the provider connects with you to discuss your diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.

How are STDs treated?

Most STDs are treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications. Antibiotics cure the infection by eliminating the bacteria. Antiviral medications inactivate the virus so your symptoms improve.

The antiretroviral therapy (ART) used to treat HIV prevents immune system damage and lowers virus levels so significantly that they’re undetectable and can’t spread to your partner.

How can I prevent STDs?

The only sure way to prevent an STD is to avoid sex. Since that’s not realistic, you can lower your risk by using condoms, limiting your number of partners, and making sure they’re tested.

Children, teens, and young adults can get a vaccine to protect them from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common STD that causes cervical and throat cancer.

People at risk for HIV may consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a treatment regimen that lowers their chances of getting HIV.

Could I mistake a urinary tract infection for an STD?

You may mistake a urinary tract infection (UTI) for an STD because the two share several symptoms. Signs of a UTI include:

• Frequent urination
• Strong urge to urinate
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Interruptions in the urine stream

An untreated UTI can lead to a kidney infection, causing a fever, chills, nausea, and pain in your lower back or side. A kidney infection needs immediate medical care at Detroit Sherwood Urgent Care.

Your provider performs extensive urine cultures to determine the type of bacteria involved and the best medication to prescribe. They also treat bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.

The African-American practice is proud to serve the Black community with all of their health care needs. Call Detroit Sherwood Urgent Care or connect online today if you need STD testing or treatment.