STD Screening
What you need to know about STDs
- STDs are very common; approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have an STD.
- In 2020, there were 1.6 million reported cases of chlamydia.
- Louisiana ranks 2nd in gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis cases in the U.S.
- Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV. About 13% of them don’t know it and need testing.
- More than 1 million sexually transmitted diseases are acquired every day worldwide.
WHAT IS AN STD?
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are spread through all forms of sexual contact. More than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted through sex, and some can even be transmitted through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Of these diseases, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. The others are treatable, and can even become undetectable with a proper care plan.
WHY SCHEDULE AN STD SCREENING?
Regular STD screenings are very important for protecting yourself, your partner, and your children. Of the 1 million STDs that are spread between individuals each day, the majority are asymptomatic. However, untreated, these conditions can lead to serious long-term consequences including increased risk of HIV acquisition, certain cancers, infertility, and pregnancy complications. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested once a year or between every new partner.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Plan ahead and be sure to give your doctor all the information that you can. It’s important that you take the time to paint a full picture, telling the whole story. Keep a daily record of your mood and response to any medication, reporting any trends to your doctor. Click here for more patient information.
About AVALA Care
The AVALA Care team is here for patients of all ages. We treat patients from the age of 16 years old. While AVALA Care specializes in managing and preventing a variety of health conditions, patients who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should consult a doctor who specializes in prenatal care for the duration of their pregnancy. Read more about AVALA.
Contact us
To learn more about how we can help you on your journey to wellness, contact us today. A representative will be in touch shortly.