7 Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
This article is updated for the 2024–2025 flu season. By now you’re probably expecting to hear about getting...
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Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for STDs, especially if they have multiple partners, are under the age of 25, or are a man who has sex with men. The CDC recommends regular testing for HIV for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64, and annual testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia for all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners.
Getting tested for STDs is crucial to maintaining your health and the health of your partner(s). Many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you could be infected and not know it. Untreated STDs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, cancer, and organ damage. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of these complications.
Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are convenient options for STD testing. These facilities typically offer same-day appointments and extended hours, making it easier to fit testing into your schedule. In Lewiston, you can book same-day and next-day appointments at Intermed Urgent Care and Maine Medical Center Urgent Care Plus through Solv's website and mobile app.
Your primary care provider can also provide STD testing. This can be a good option if you have a long-standing relationship with your provider and feel comfortable discussing your sexual health with them.
For those without insurance or who are unable to afford testing, free STD testing may be available at community health centers in Lewiston and the surrounding area.
At-home testing kits are another option for STD testing. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. This can be a convenient and private way to get tested, but it's important to choose a reputable company to ensure accurate results.
Lewiston, located in Androscoggin County, has seen a steady increase in STD rates over the past few years, mirroring national trends. According to the CDC, the most common STDs in the area are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Compared to nearby counties such as Hampshire County and Worcester County, Androscoggin County has a higher rate of STDs.
Several factors could be contributing to the high STD rates in Lewiston. These include a lack of comprehensive sex education, limited access to healthcare, and social stigma around STD testing. Additionally, certain populations, such as young people and men who have sex with men, are at a higher risk of contracting STDs. It's important to note that anyone who is sexually active can get an STD, and regular testing is the best way to protect your health.
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In a doctor's office, a health clinic, or an urgent care center, you can get an STD test. If you're experiencing symptoms, it's best to visit a doctor's office, where they can also treat you or issue you a prescription. While some Lewiston clinics and urgent care centers allow walk-in appointments, it's advisable to make an appointment ahead of time to prevent excessive waits.
Various testing are required for various STDs. Depending on the type of STD test you took, you may receive your results in two to ten days. Some outcomes may be immediately available. Your doctor may be able to diagnose an STD through a physical examination. In some cases, your doctor's office may only contact you if your test results are positive.
The cost of STD testing is governed by several factors, including where you are tested, the type of test you need, and if you have health insurance. Some Lewiston clinics may offer free testing or testing on a sliding scale based on your income. Because of the cost, don't put off obtaining an STD test. With your doctor's office, discuss the cost and payment choices. Delaying STD treatment may have catastrophic implications.
The cost of STD testing is governed by a number of factors, including the location of the test, the type of test required, and whether or not you have health insurance. Some clinics may provide free or sliding-scale testing, depending on your income. Don't let the expense of an STD test deter you from getting one. With your doctor's office, discuss the price and payment choices. Delaying STD treatment could have catastrophic ramifications.
There are around 20 different forms of STDs, each with its own set of diagnostic tests. No single test exists that can detect all types of STDs. Your doctor can help you figure out which tests you'll need. In STD testing, a blood sample or a urine sample may be used. Your doctor may also take a swab from the inside of your cheek, your vaginal area, or another potentially infected place.
Blood tests are used to diagnose hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, and syphilis. In a laboratory, a technician examines a blood sample for antibodies that the body has produced in reaction to disease. The virus's DNA can also be detected by several blood tests. Remember that if you've recently been exposed to an STD and your body hasn't yet produced antibodies, you could test negative even if you have the disease.
Many Lewiston, ME urgent care providers offer same-day and next-day appointments, which you may book through Solv. To make healthcare more accessible to everyone, we collaborate with thousands of top-rated local providers. Our physician partners understand that waiting days, if not weeks, for an appointment isn't always the best option, and they share our commitment to simple, accessible health care.
To find a healthcare practitioner in your area, simply enter your location and search for "STD test" on our website. A list of providers and available appointments can be found on the following page. Choose the most convenient time and location for you. Make it clear that you've come for STD testing.
If you have a specific STD, inform your doctor so that the necessary test can be scheduled. Otherwise, they'll help you figure out which tests you'll need. The nurse or doctor simply needs a few minutes to get a blood sample, a urine sample, or a swab from the probable infection site.
Although there are several STD home tests available, not all of them are accurate. The accuracy of any STD test is determined by the quality of the sample taken. For home STD kits, a blood sample, a urine sample, or both are frequently required. Because doctors and nurses have more experience collecting samples, traditional in-office STD testing is the most accurate.
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