How Long Does STD Testing Take at Urgent Care?
Sexually transmitted diseases are common among people who are sexually active, especially when multiple partners are involved. Moreover, if you have sex—oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse— and are engaged in genital touching, you’re vulnerable to STIs(Sexually Transmitted Infections).
People at risk of getting STIs should take a proactive approach. Thinking or hoping your partner doesn’t have an STI is no protection; instead, you should verify by taking a test. Condoms, when used effectively, may reduce the risk of STIs; however, no method is foolproof.
According to CDC’s estimate, 20% of the U.S. population, 1 in 5 people, had an STI on any given day in 2018. Therefore, regardless of your marital status, or sexual orientation, you’re vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
If you think you have an STI or have been exposed to an STI, see a doctor. More importantly, consider visiting a trusted urgent care center for an STD test.
Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Does STD Testing Take at Urgent Care?
The time to perform an STD test depends on the suspected sexually transmitted infection. For instance, you can get the results of an HIV test within 20 minutes. For other tests, for example, syphilis, it may take 2-5 days to get your results.
The duration also depends on the type of test used.
Here’s how long it takes for chlamydia to show up on a test:
Urine Test: It takes 2-5 days to determine if you’re positive or negative
Blood Test: If the sample is analyzed within the site, you can get results in a few minutes. However, it may take 1-3 days if the results are sent to an offsite lab.
Swab Test: Swab tests take 2-3 days to show a positive or a negative result.
Who Should Get Tested for STDs?
If you’re sexually active, you should consider getting tested as an essential step to protect your health. Ensure you have an honest conversation with your doctor about your sexual history and ask if you should get tested for STDs.
Below is a category of people who should consider testing for STDs:
All sexually active women.
Women 25 years and below should consider testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia each year. Older women 25 years and above with new and multiple sexual partners should consider taking gonorrhea and chlamydia tests.
All adults and teenagers from 13 to 64 years should be tested once for HIV.
All pregnant women should be tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B early in the pregnancy. If at risk of infection, they should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia early in the pregnancy.
People who engage in oral or anal sex should discuss throat and rectal testing options with their doctors.
People who share injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
All sexually active bisexuals, active gay, and men who engage in sex with other men should be tested:
Once a year for hepatitis C, if living with HIV
Once a year for HIV or after 3 or 6 months
Once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea— if they have multiple partners, they should be tested at least every 3 to 6 months.
Testing for Specific STIs
HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis
If you have the following risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about your testing options:
Men who engage in sex with other men
Intravenous (IV) drug use
If you have symptoms of infection
Have more than one sexual partner, or if your partner has had more than one sexual partner since your last test.
A new hepatitis C infection
If you’ve been in jail or prison
A positive test for STI that puts you at a greater risk
HPV
Many sexually active people get Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point but never develop symptoms. However, it goes away on its own within 2 years. Unfortunately, HPV is known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
Men are not required to conduct regular HPV testing; healthcare providers recommend testing for people with genital warts.
Women aged 25-65 years should have an HPV test alone or along with a pap test every five years. Women at high risk of cervical cancer or those with irregular outcomes on their pap or HPV tests are recommended to take the test more often.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Healthcare providers use urine and swab tests to screen for gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Healthcare providers recommend yearly screening for:
People living with HIV
Sexually active women below 25 years
Men who engage in sex with other men
Women who are above 25 years and at higher risk of STIs because of having sex with a new partner or multiple partners
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common STI with symptoms such as blisters around the mouth, genitals, and rectum. A healthcare provider only recommends testing if you have symptoms and other risk factors.
A physician may look for symptoms such as:
Painful urination
Itching or pain around blisters
Ulcers that develop after blisters rupture and bleed or ooze
A discharge from the urethra
Small blisters or bumps from the anus, mouth, or genitals
Discharge from vagina
For instance, they may recommend a culture test after identifying early ulcers or blisters. A negative result doesn’t mean you don’t have genital herpes, especially if you have symptoms. As such, you may need a blood test to detect past herpes infection.
Risk factors of genital herpes include multiple sexual partners, presence or history of another STI, and engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex without protection, e.g., condoms.
Try Lifeline Urgent Care STD Testing Services
Although some STIs are easy to manage, others require a comprehensive treatment plan. If left untreated, some STDs increase the likelihood of developing other STIs, including HIV.
With that in mind, it is recommended to undergo an STD test if you suspect you might be infected to protect your health.
At Lifeline Urgent Care, we have a well-equipped laboratory and highly trained physicians ready to offer you high-quality care.
Contact us online or call us at 281.771.1144 to book an appointment.
