STD Testing and Treatment Lewes, Delaware

Think you have an STD?
Text 302-517-1385 to schedule an appointment and get tested. We offer quick and discreet STD testing and treatment here in Lewes

Defining an STD

Planned Parenthood (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex)  describes an STD as an infection that is spread during sexual intercourse. Many STDs don’t cause symptoms, so you could have one and not even know it. Untreated STDs can cause serious health complications, so it’s important to get tested (https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm)  regularly if you are sexually active. STD testing can feel intimidating and personal, but at Atracare, you can get private STD screenings done in one day. 

Most Common STDs 

We can screen our patients for the following common STDs. Here’s a quick overview of common STDs, what they are, and how they are treated. 

Chlamydia: This is an extremely common infection caused by bacteria that is often asymptomatic. Symptoms may include pain in the eyes, pelvis, and genitals. Some patients may experience discharge from the eyes or genitals. To treat this STD, a doctor will typically prescribe a round of antibiotics for the patient and their sexual partner(s). 

Genital Warts: Genital warts are growths caused by HPV. This type of STD can show up on the genitals, anus, and groin area. The bumps may itch or burn. Genital warts are cured by freezing them or applying a topical cream. 

Gonorrhea: Patients with this bacterial infection may experience painful urination and genital discharge. Patients with this STD will be prescribed antibiotics. 

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious viral STD that can lead to liver disease. Patients with Hepatitis B may experience dark urine, yellow eyes, and full-body pain. Some people with this STD do not experience any symptoms. Hepatitis B patients are advised to stop drinking alcohol and begin a course of antiviral medication. 

Herpes: Herpes can infect a patient’s mouth and genitals. During “flare ups,” this STD causes painful sores to pop up. While herpes has no cure, the condition is often treated with antiviral drugs. 

HIV & AIDS: HIV is an infection that causes AIDS by diminishing a person’s immune system. If a person contracts HIV, they may experience flu-like symptoms and then have an asymptomatic period before the virus develops into AIDS. Anti-retroviral therapy is used to treat AIDs. 

HPV: The human papillomavirus is common, and it can go away by itself. However, it is known to cause cervical cancer in women. Regular PAP smears can detect the presence of HPV in women. HPV is asymptomatic and is treated if it becomes precancerous with various gynecological procedures. 

Syphilis: This STD is easily treatable with penicillin. If you experience a painless sore on your genitals that heals and returns as a rash, you should contact your doctor immediately. Untreated syphilis can cause injury to your heart, brain, and eyes. 

Trichomoniasis: This STD causes vaginitis. Patients may have pain the abdomen or discomfort while urinating. In women, vaginal and cervical inflammation is common if the infection leads to vaginitis. Trichomoniasis is treated with a single dose antibiotic. 

STD Treatment Options

Common antibiotics used to treat STDs include Zithromax, Rocephin, Penicillin, MetroCream, Zovirax, Interferon, Condylox, and many more. The medications used to treat viral STDs are different than the ones used to treat bacterial STDs. 

STD Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Treatment for an STD? 

STD treatments can be applied on the skin, administered in a vaccine, or prescribed as a topical treatment. The best treatment for an STD is the one prescribed to you by your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose an STD and prescribe the proper treatment. At-home measures may be prescribed by your doctor to ease symptoms and expedite the healing process. 

Can You Get STD Medicine Over the Counter? 

Your doctor may prescribe an oral or topical pain reliever to ease pain associated with the STD. Antibiotic and antiviral medications are not available over the counter. 

Can You Get Rid of an STD on Your Own? 

It is never recommended that you try to “wait it out” or try to clear up an STD on your own. STDs can cause more problems the longer they go untreated, and you risk spreading the disease to your sexual partner even if you have protected sex. See your doctor for regular screenings and come into Atracare’s walk-in clinic right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. 

How Long Does it Take for an STD to Go Away? 

While most bacterial STDs will clear up in a few weeks, viral STDs can stay with you forever. When you are diagnosed with an STD, we know it can be shocking and frightening. The most important thing you can do is adhere to the treatment plan given to you by your doctor. 

How Do I Know If I Have an STD? 

STD symptoms can differ between males and females, but if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you may have an STD, and you should contact your doctor immediately. The most common difference between male and female STD symptoms is where the pain is felt. In women, the pain is felt in the belly, while men tend to experience testicular pain with some STDs. The sooner your condition is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. This prevents the infection from causing any further discomfort or damage to your reproductive organs. Early testing also prevents you from spreading the disease to more people. 

Atracare Telehealth Appointments for STDs

Atracare offers telemedicine appointments for STD screening if you prefer to stay home. As always, all STD testing appointments anonymous.  

Text 302-517-1385 to schedule an appointment and get tested.

new Textline.Widget(“+___1302-517-1385___”, {
background_color: “#011EFF”,
font_color: “#FFFFFF”,
bottom_offset: 100,
text: “Text Us”});