STD (sexually transmitted disease) Testing, Treatment and Prevention
Sexually transmitted disease is much more prevalent than the general population realizes. Most of the time an STD goes unnoticed because it causes no symptoms, especially early in its course. It is during this time that people are most at risk of transmitting and contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). A person at risk should be tested and screened for a sexually transmitted infection whenever possible. Young, sexually active men and women that are not in a monogamous relationship are especially are high risk for contracting an STI.
We recommend testing and screening all at-risk individuals for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). The most common of such infections are gonorrhea and chlamydia. These are bacterial infections that are easily treatable if discovered early. However, most people with gonorrhea or chlamydia may be without symptoms and not know they are infected. Screening is therefore very important. Testing and Screening for these STD's is easily done through a simple urine test.
Another bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) is syphilis. It is also easily treated with penicillin, if discovered early enough. Testing for syphilis is done via a blood test – called RPR or VDRL.
The two common viral venereal diseases (VD's) are Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which causes herpes, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Herpes Simplex Virus causes small painful lesions, and is diagnosed by examination and blood testing. HIV is diagnosed by blood testing.
We offer testing for all of these sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, Herpes Simplex) in our medical clinic, and treatment for all except for HIV (which would need to be treated by a sub-specialist).
The best way to protect the individuals in our community, and thus the health of the public as a whole is to vigilantly screen and test for these sexually transmitted infections in the population and treat them before they are transmitted to the next person. Protecting the public health is one of the main goals of Her Choice Women’s Clinic.
We are located in Santa Ana, but we serve patients that visit us from all of Southern California, including Orange County, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Temecula, and Los Angeles. We have patients from the following cities: