Modern testing methods make it easier than ever to identify sexually transmitted infections (STIs) early when they are most easily treated. Even so, many STIs are on the rise in the United States, putting more Americans at risk for infections and severe side effects.
About half of all Americans will have an STI in their lifetimes. In the past few years, infection rates have risen dramatically for several STIs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Rates of congenital syphilis — syphilis passed from moms to their newborns — have skyrocketed an alarming 203% in recent years.
Most STIs are easily and effectively treated with antibiotics or other medication. However, delaying diagnosis means delays in treatment, which can result in serious complications and more complex treatment regimens, not to mention increasing the risk of passing the infection on to other people.
At NewMed Immediate Care in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Ruchir Thakkar, DO, provides comprehensive STI screening. In this post, Dr. Thakkar and his team help you understand how screening works and why regular STI testing is vital for your health and for the health of others.
In general, regular STI testing is beneficial for anyone sexually active.
Specific recommendations are primarily based on your gender and your potential exposures. The CDC offers a list of screening recommendations on its website. They recommend regular screening for most women and men for these STIs:
The testing frequency depends on your risk level and many individual lifestyle factors.
If you think you might be at risk or have never been tested, get tested immediately. There’s no downside. At your appointment, Dr. Thakkar will help you determine how frequently you must be tested to stay safe and avoid potentially passing an infection on to someone else.
Sexually transmitted infection screening is straightforward. It’s done right in our office. You can schedule an office visit or use our urgent care clinic for immediate testing.
We offer a full range of STI tests, including screening for:
Depending on the type of STIs you are being screened for, your test might involve a blood draw, urinalysis, or a swab used to collect a sample for microscopic analysis.
Once collected, your sample is analyzed in a lab. This should take no more than a week or two. Our office contacts you to discuss your results and arrange treatment if necessary.
Sexually transmitted infection screening is quick and confidential. If you’re sexually active, pregnant, or you’re part of a high-risk population, like a needle user or an emergency responder, regular STI screening is vital to staying the most important things you can do to stay healthy.
With STI screening, a few minutes can yield a lifetime of better health. For an STI consultation or testing, book an appointment. Call (847) 386-2523 or use the online booking tool.
