Only the First Visit is Difficult: What to Expect at an STD Clinic

If you are old enough to engage in sexual activity, you are old enough to take responsibility for your actions. Like everything else in life, things come with strings attached—it’s not all fun and games. (Sex, however, is the closest thing to fun and games that you can get!) Deciding to have sex is a big step, but now that you’ve taken it you must also take responsibility for your health and the health of your partner. The best way to face this responsibility head-on is to get to an STD clinic.

It may be hard to wrap your head around, but with your decision to have sex you’ve stepped into the grown-up world. The national average is that 7 out of 10 teenagers have sex by their 19th birthday. That’s a ton of people running around not knowing what is expected of them. Take charge of your sexual health right now—in the beginning. Aren’t there are bunch of things you’d like to do before you have children? Hopefully, you have dreams that go far beyond dirty diapers.

Let’s get some facts straight before we continue: There are over 25 different Sexually Transmitted Diseases and 19,000,000 Americans will catch one of them this year alone! Another frightening fact is that STD’s are the most common infectious disease in the U.S. You may think you’re “getting lucky,” but that luck will stop in a heartbeat if you catch an STD

The thought of visiting an STD clinic may be a frightening one, but it shouldn’t be. Their staffs are always extremely pleasant and understanding, and they pay extra attention to patients new to the process. The following is a list of just SOME of the dangers of having sexual relations, at any age, and what to expect if they test for them.

Herpes

If you notice any fever blisters or cold sores around your mouth (not too important) or on your private parts (VERY important) it is recommended you have testing done. The Herpes test consists of taking a culture from one of the blisters. The usual method is painless swabbing.

HIV/AIDS

This STD is still a huge problem in America. It is a disease that is often fatal as it continues to break down the body’s immune system. There are over 1,000,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. today and it is estimated that there are an additional 250,000 who may be infected but unaware of it. Just another reason why testing is so important. HIV testing consists of a blood test.

HPV/Genital Warts

Not a pretty picture. Symptoms include flesh-colored bumps or warts around the privates. There are some types of genital warts that can cause cervical cancer in women. This is why early detection and treatment are so important. The test consists of a visual inspection.

If you are beginning to have sex regularly, or if you have had sex even one time, a visit to an STD clinic should be in your near future. Remember, there is nothing more frightening than the unknown. After one visit you will think to yourself, “What was all the fuss about?”

If you live in New York City or one of its boroughs, a good place to start may be The STD Clinic New York City. Their patients are always treated politely and discreetly by trained professionals. Check out their STD Testing NYC website or just call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a person and make an appointment. Do it. There’s no time like now to do something nice for yourself—and your significant other.