STD Testing

What is STD testing?

STD, short for sexually transmitted disease, is an infection passed between people who have sexual relations. Figures from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that about 25% of American teens have an STD before leaving high school.

Testing for STDs is a vital element of health care for anyone sexually active. Some STDs don’t cause symptoms or the symptoms they do cause are so mild your teen might not realize they have an infection.

Rates of STDs among teens and young adults are the highest of any age group because young people are more likely to have unprotected sex and develop infections. Teens and young adults might not know how best to protect themselves from STDs, and this age group is also less likely to use health care services.

Most STD tests are quick and easy to do, and the team at Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care has considerable expertise and experience in doing STD tests on teens and young adults.

What STDs will my child need to be tested for?

The STDs your child needs testing for at Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care include:

·       HIV/AIDS

·       Chlamydia

·       Gonorrhea

·       Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

·       Human papillomavirus virus (HPV)

·       Genital warts

·       Genital herpes

·       Syphilis

Diagnosis of each STD varies but usually involves a physical exam and taking samples of blood, saliva, urine, and/or genital secretions. Testing for HPV in girls involves your child’s pediatrician performing a Pap smear to collect cells from the cervix.

How can I help my child stay STD free?

The only way your child can avoid STDs entirely is to refrain from sex altogether. Make sure your child knows how being sexually active can affect their life, from the emotional consequences to unwanted pregnancy and the risk of STDs.

STDs are treatable but some of them aren’t curable, so it’s important that your child understands that if they get an infection, it might not be one that disappears just by taking antibiotics. For example, AIDS, which develops from infection with HIV, is still a leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

STDs can also lead to fertility problems later in life and affect pregnancy.

If your child is sexually active, they need to use condoms every time they have sex and use them correctly to minimize the chances of catching an STD. Regular STD testing at Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care will help to keep your child safe and healthy.

If you’d like more information about STD testing or you need to make an appointment for your child, call the clinic today or book using the online tool.

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