STD is short for sexually transmitted disease. Although it can be an intimidating topic to discuss, it’s important to remove the stigma from STDs. Whether you need an STD treatment or STD testing or even just screening before you become sexually involved with someone, finding an STD testing center near me in California is a great place to find affordable care. 

What Is a STD?

An STD often referred to as a sexually transmitted disease is a sexually transmitted disease or an infection that is passed from one person to another through any form of sexual contact. STDs are fairly common, with an estimated 376 million new infections each year, according to the World Health Organization. 

Common STDs include:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • HIV/Aids
  • Hepatitis
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Herpes
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Syphilis
  • Other STDS, including scabies, chancroid, etc.

STDs require treatment because they can be serious illnesses. STD symptoms vary widely, ranging from sores, bumps, genital ulcers or intense itching on genitals or mouths and may also include painful intercourse or painful urination. But symptoms may also be lacking. Sometimes a person can have an STD and not even realize it due to a lack of symptoms.

Why It Is Important to Get Frequent STD Tests

Although STD testing may not prevent you from getting a disease, it can help you to avoid long term complications that are associated with STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases that go untreated can lead to serious health-related consequences, with potentially irreversible complications. 

Occasionally, people with STDs that remain untreated may face health issues, such as:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Cervical cancer
  • Infertility
  • Damage to the heart
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Liver disease
  • Liver failure
  • Miscarriage
  • Ectopic pregnancy 
  • Premature delivery
  • Possibility of passing STD to a baby for pregnant women 

Whether you have symptoms of an STD (as listed above) or not, it is important to get tested if you have been sexually active. If you have had unprotected sexual contact or if you find out a sexual partner has an STD, finding an STD testing center near me is important. Finding out you have an STD as soon as possible affords you the greatest possible outcome, potentially reducing lasting any long-term effects. Furthermore, learning you have an STD can help to spread STDs to other people you have sexual contact with. 

Although there are benefits to finding out early that you have an STD, the best part about getting tested for STDs is putting your mind at ease if you don’t have one. Looking into “finding an STD testing center near me” can be one of the best steps you take for your health if you are sexually active, while making you a responsible person who not only takes care of yourself but also others.  

How to Find an STD Testing Center Near Me

STD tests can be painless and quick. You can likely find STD tests near you from several sources, including:

  • Your regular medical practitioner
  • Medical specialists, such as a gynecologist or midwife
  • A local health department
  • Planned parenthood
  • An urgent care clinic
  • A public hospital (call them to find out and avoid the emergency room to save money)
  • Online STD testing

Reach Out to CRC Labs Today

If you are concerned you or your sexual partner has an STD or simply are not sure due to a lack of symptoms, CRC Labs offers STD testing. Regular STD testing may offer early detection, which may lessen the severity and side effects and prevent the further spread of the disease. Reach out to us today to learn more about STDs or to schedule an STD test today.