STDs and STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections, also called STDs or STIs, are infections passed through intimate contact. Many people have no STD symptoms, so testing is the only way to know. Most common STDs are easy to treat once found.

What Is It

Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes, and HIV. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most frequently reported and often cause no symptoms. Untreated, some STDs can cause infertility, pelvic infections, and problems in pregnancy. Testing is recommended yearly for many sexually active adults.

Symptoms

No symptoms at all, which is common
Burning with urination
Unusual discharge
Pelvic or lower belly pain
Sores, bumps, or blisters in the genital area
Itching or irritation

Not sure it’s an STD? Burning with frequent urination is often a UTI. Pelvic pain has many causes, covered under pelvic pain.

Treatment

At your visit: Confidential STD testing uses a urine sample, swab, or blood test. Some results are ready quickly, and others take a few days. Treatment depends on the infection. Partners may need testing and treatment too.

At home:

Avoid intimate contact until you and your partners finish treatment
Take all of your medicine as prescribed
Retest when advised, often after 3 months
Use condoms to lower the risk of future infections

Most bacterial STDs are cured with a single course of antibiotics.

When to Get Care for STD Concerns

Watch at Home

No symptoms and recently tested with normal results

Come to Urgent Care Today

Burning with urination, unusual discharge, or itching
Sores, bumps, or blisters in the genital area
A partner who tested positive
A new partner, or wanting routine testing
Symptoms that return after treatment

Go to the Emergency Department

Severe pelvic or belly pain with fever
Severe pain or swelling of the testicles
Fainting or heavy bleeding with pelvic pain

FAQ

What are the most common STD symptoms?

The most common STD symptoms are burning with urination, unusual discharge, sores, and pelvic pain. Many STDs cause no symptoms at all.

Can you have an STD without symptoms?

Yes, many STDs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea, often cause no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

How soon should I get tested for an STD?

Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is accurate about 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. Blood tests for HIV and syphilis may need to be repeated weeks later.

Are STDs curable?

Many STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, are curable with antibiotics. Herpes and HIV are treatable but not curable.

Can urgent care test for STDs?

Yes, urgent care can test for STDs. Vitality Urgent Care offers confidential testing with urine, swab, or blood samples. No appointment or referral is needed.

Is STD testing confidential?

Yes, STD testing at Vitality Urgent Care is confidential. Results are shared only with you, following medical privacy laws.

Last reviewed October 2026