Physicians Immediate Care clinics offer STD testing

Staff Report

Approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year, almost half of them among people ages 15-24.

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases is critically important. What could be a better demonstration of love and concern for your partner and yourself than to undergo simple STD testing?

Physicians Immediate Care (physiciansimmediatecare.com) encourages all couples, whether newly dating or not, to come in for simple STD testing. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the results are provided quickly.

“We believe STD testing between couples demonstrates love, reinforces trust and results in promoting sexual health among people in all relationships,” explains chief physicians Terry Buzzard, M.D., of Physicians Immediate Care in the northern Illinois area.

How do I know if I have an STD?

Often, STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea have no signs or symptoms. You won’t see a bump or a rash or have an itch. That’s one of the reasons why STDs are so common and problematic. You may be reading this article because you are worried that you may have been infected with an STD. The only way to know if you have an STD is to get a simple STD test. It’s very easy. Physicians Immediate Care helps thousands of people each month get answers and get relief fast at their many walk-in centers.

The benefits of STD testing

Remember, many STDs often do not cause any symptoms. Many people have sexually transmitted infections and never know it. Many people get or spread infections without ever having symptoms.

If you’ve had sex with another person and did not use a condom, female condom, dental dam or other barrier, it’s a good idea to talk to Physicians Immediate Care about STD testing. Getting tested can put your mind at ease or get you (and your partner) needed treatment, if necessary. It’s also important to learn about ways you and your partner can protect yourselves in the future through safe sex.

How is an STD defined?

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease, and most people will have an STD in their lifetime. It’s estimated that there are about 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. each year. One of the reasons STDs are so common is because they are often “silent.” You can be infected without showing any sign of an infection. STDs are often passed through sexual activity, but can be passed to an unborn child during pregnancy, through IV drug needles, skin-to-skin, through oral sex or through breastfeeding.

There’s more to know than you might think

In today’s society, most people tend to think of sexually transmitted infections in terms of HIV and AIDS or hepatitis, but the “old” infections and diseases are still out there. In fact, many are making a comeback.

Following is a list of STDs: chlamydia; genital herpes (HSV-2); genital warts; gonorrhea; Hepatitis B (HBV); HIV and AIDS; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID); pubic lice (crabs); syphilis; and trichomoniasis.

Some STDs can have severe consequences, especially in women, if not treated, which is why it is so important to go for STD testing.

Some STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility, while others may even be fatal. STDs can be prevented by refraining from sexual activity, and to a certain extent, some contraceptive devices, such as condoms.

Getting tested for an STD is one of the best ways to show love and demonstrate trust. If you have further questions or need to get tested, Physicians Immediate Care clinics are at 6595 E. State St., (815) 226-1300; 4350 Morsay Drive, (815) 395-1100; 3475 S. Alpine Road, (815) 874-8000; and 11475 N. Second St., Loves Park, (815) 654-8000.

From the May 25-31, 2011 issue

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