Over 2.2 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed in 2024. It’s a 13% increase from 2014. Of those STIs, chlamydia is the most common, followed by gonorrhea and syphilis. These are just a small number of STIs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that exist around the world.
The Risks of Sexually-Transmitted Infections and Diseases
Any time you have unprotected sex with a new partner or a current partner who has unprotected sex with someone new, you could end up with one of these diseases or infections. Some can be passed from a mother to a newborn baby during childbirth. Early treatment is essential for everyone.
- Chlamydia – A bacterial infection that often has no noticeable symptoms but can impact reproductive health and lead to infertility.
- Gonorrhea – A bacterial infection spread through sexual contact or mother-to-baby during childbirth.
- Hepatitis B – A viral infection that causes inflammation within the liver and can lead to cirrhosis if left unmanaged. It can be acute or chronic.
- Herpes – A viral infection that spreads through saliva and skin-to-skin contact and causes painful sores (blisters or ulcers).
- HIV (Can progress to AIDS without treatment) – A sexually-transmitted virus that attacks specific immune cells, making it harder for a person’s body to fight infection.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – A viral infection that can lead to cervical cancer or anal cancer. There is a preventative vaccination available.
- Syphilis – A bacterial infection that’s spread through sexual contact or from mother to baby during childbirth.
- Trichomoniasis “Trich” – A parasitic infection caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.
Four of those STIs are curable. Hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are viral and cannot be cured, but their severity can be managed.
STIs and STDs are very personal, and some people are embarrassed to have one or more of them. That makes at-home STD testing appealing. You’re in the privacy of your home, and no one needs to know. Is it the best way to learn if you have an STD or STI? The reality is that urgent care testing is better for several reasons.
Sample Integrity Is Hard to Manage at Home
When you use an at-home STD test, you’re responsible for the integrity of the sample. You’re not always equipped with the same protective materials as a doctor. Even if you wash your hands, you may not wash them long enough to kill all germs. As you take a swab of your genitals, you may not have as sterile an environment as is needed for a clean sample.
Sample integrity also requires you to follow directions precisely. If you’re unsure of a step or don’t perform it correctly, it could lead to inaccurate results.
Mailing in test samples works well if temperature extremes aren’t forecast. If it’s hot, the inside of a metal mailbox may become too hot, degrading the oral, blood, or vaginal sample you collected, leading to inaccurate test results.
At-Home Tests Aren’t Always as Quick as Expected
Just because an at-home test promises fast results, it may not be as quick as you’d like. Many kits are shipped via USPS, which can take time. You can choose expedited shipping through FedEx or UPS, but it costs more. Look at the turnaround times for some of the nation’s most popular at-home STD kits.
- Everlywell – Tests for 5 common STDs using a blood sample from a finger prick and a urine sample. It takes a few days to get the results.
- LetsGetChecked – Tests for 5 or 8 STDs and STIs, depending on the test you choose. Online results are available within 5 days of the lab receiving the collected sample.
- MyLAB Box – Tests for up to 14 STIs and STDs in one kit, depending on the test you select. You must mail it in and wait an additional 2 to 5 days for the results to be returned.
- OraQuick – This HIV test is sold over-the-counter at retailers such as CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart. Online purchases can take up to 10 days to arrive. Test results are ready within 20 minutes. You read the results using the guide. Recommendations are to retest every three months.
- Visby Medical – Tests vaginal fluids for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, but is only for women. Results are ready 30 minutes after the swab is taken and the test unit is activated. You do have to wait for the test to arrive by mail, which can take several days with standard shipping.
Most kits allow you to consult with a doctor if the test result is positive. However, some offer that service only if you purchase an advanced kit. If you have a positive STD result, you won’t be able to access prescription medications without speaking with a doctor.
Physical Exams Provided at Urgent Care Add Protection
Not every STD has symptoms. An urgent care doctor performs a quick health exam before the test to look for silent STD symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes or loss of energy. Catching asymptomatic STDs protects you and your sexual partners.
It’s also very common to have more than one STD and not realize it. When you test for STDs at home, the test may only cover one STD. If you want to test for others, you need to purchase additional kits. If you have asymptomatic STDs, you may not even think of ordering that at-home test.
When you come to urgent care for STD testing, full panels are completed to look for every STD. You gain peace of mind and ensure you’re treated correctly. You also get medical advice and prescriptions for you and, if necessary, your partner.
Financial and Legal Benefits Gained Through Urgent Care STD Testing in California
Some at-home STD and STI test kits are covered by California health insurance plans thanks to SB 306 and the Right to Test, but it’s not a guarantee. Test kits must meet FDA and CLIA requirements.
With these at-home tests costing $150 to $400, it’s expensive to pay out of pocket. The best way to ensure your insurance covers the cost of STD testing is to visit a California urgent care practice.
You interact with a doctor and a nurse at a California urgent care center, but HIPAA protects your confidentiality. California regulations add additional privacy protections through the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act. You don’t have to worry about a lack of privacy.
You often get test results the same day, which means a prescription is available ASAP. The sooner you start treatment, the better it is for your health.
California regulations also allow urgent care doctors to prescribe medications for partners through Patient-Delivered Partner Therapy. If you have a positive test result for an STD or STI, your partner receives the medication at the same time as you, so there’s no delay in treatment.
Premium Urgent Care offers private, fast, and accurate STD and STI testing in the Fresno area. If you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection, our goal is to ensure you get treatment ASAP and have answers to your questions. No appointment is needed. Walk in and see a doctor the same day.