STIs

Why should I test for STIs?

If you are sexually active, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Testing is important because STIs often have no signs or symptoms and, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues.

STIs are infections that can be contracted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. At no cost to you, Vida Medical Clinic provides confidential testing and treatment for both men and women for these common STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. We do not currently test for syphilis, HIV, herpes, or hepatitis.

The testing process is quick and easy and is one of the most important things you can do to protect your reproductive health. Yearly STI testing is recommended for all sexually active people under the age of 25. Testing is also recommended if you have a new partner or multiple partners.

Why should I get treated for an STI?

An untreated STI may cause other significant health problems. Many STIs can be cured or treated with medication.

What STIs does Vida test and treat for?

Chlamydia – Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in men and women. Most infected people do not have symptoms – making it very important to get tested. If symptoms are present, women may have a change in vaginal discharge or unusual vaginal bleeding. Men can have painful urination, a penile discharge, or in men who have sex with men, rectal pain or discharge. Chlamydia can be cured with treatment. Overtime, if chlamydia is not treated, it can cause serious damage to a woman’s reproductive system including making it more difficult to get pregnant and increasing the risk for a future ectopic pregnancy. Request your STI appointment today.

Gonorrhea – Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI. Most infected people do not have symptoms – making it very important to get tested. If symptoms are present, women often have a vaginal discharge or unusual vaginal bleeding. Men can have painful urination, a penile discharge or in men who have had sex with men rectal pain or discharge. Gonorrhea can cause serious complications if left untreated. It can be cured with medication. Request your STI appointment today.

Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis is a common STI that affects men and women. Often people do not have any symptoms, but if they do, women can have vaginal irritation and discharge and men can have discharge from the penis or painful urination. It can be cured with medication. Request your STI appointment today.

What about other STIs?

Vida does not test or treat the following STIs but can provide information regarding:

Request An STI Testing and Treatment Appointment Today

FAQ's

How much does testing and treatment cost?

All services at Vida Medical Clinic are confidential and at no cost to you.

When should I get tested?

You need to wait one week after any new partner/exposure to avoid false negative results. Testing is recommended with any new partners or with symptoms of pain, odor, discharge, new lumps or bumps, or unusual bleeding.

How do I get an STI?

You can get an STI through intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and genital skin to skin contact.

Do condoms protect me from STIs?

They lower the risk, but do not provide full protection.

If I have an STI, can you cure me?

We can provide treatment that can cure chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Is a visit to your clinic confidential?

Yes, all of our services are confidential and free.

What are signs and symptoms of an STI?

Many STIs do not have symptoms. However, odor, discharge, unusual bleeding, new lumps or bumps, and pain can be symptoms that are common with an STI.

How long will it take to get results?

Three to five business days.

What STIs do you test for?

We test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis (trich).

Can I have more than one STI at a time?

Yes. Having one STI puts you at a higher risk for having another STI and increases the risk of becoming infected with HIV.

If I have an STI, is that reported?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are reportable sexually transmitted diseases. The Health Department is notified of the positive result and the treatment date, and will help in contacting sexual partners if requested by the patient. Vida Medical Clinic will treat partners of infected individuals. The patient should notify all previous sexual partners in the last 60 days if they have a positive result.

Can someone come with me to my appointment?

Yes. We may need to see you for part of your appointment alone, but your support person can be there for most of your appointment.