STD Testing Specialist

Cermak Immediate Care

Immediate Care & Primary Care Practice located in Cicero, IL, Roseland, IL, Little Village, IL, and North Lawndale, IL

According to the American Sexual Health Association, nearly 20 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in America. These numbers signify a personal and public health issue -- one that’s taken seriously by Dr. Ruchir Thakkar of Cermak Immediate Care in Berwyn and Roseland in Chicago, Illinois. STD testing is an important part of your overall health and wellness plan, and the first step in getting treatment for a sexually transmitted infection. Walk-in appointments are available, or you can visit the Cermak Immediate Care website to schedule your visit online.

STD Testing Q & A

Why is STD testing important?

Sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a serious health problem. The rates of STDs and STIs are increasing overall, but testing is not as common as health professionals would like.

Many STDs show no clear symptoms in the early stages, which is part of why transmission rates remain so high. If you’re sexually active, getting tested is the only way to know for sure whether you have a sexually transmitted disease.

While some STDs can be cleared up relatively easily, others can cause lasting problems. Infertility, certain cancers, and serious immune system issues are all possible. That’s why getting tested should be a routine part of health care for sexually active teens and adults.

How can I prevent STDs?

The only absolute means of protection is to abstain from sexual activity. The next best approach is a mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have received STD testing.

There are vaccines to help prevent HPV and Hepatitis B, but neither are effective if you already have an infection. Condom use remains a good way to prevent STDs, but it’s important to use condoms properly and during every sexual encounter. You should also know that it’s possible to contract some STDs during oral sex or skin-to-skin contact.

What type of infections can STD testing reveal?

Cermak Immediate Care offers comprehensive STD screening that can reveal the presence of the following:

  • Human papillomavirus
  • Genital herpes
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV

If your screening shows a positive result, treatment can begin right away.

How are STDs treated?

Treatment efforts depend on the type of sexually transmitted infection. Some bacterial STDs can be cleared up with a round of antibiotics.

Other infections, like HIV and HSV, are viral and can only be managed but not cured. Suppressive medications can help reduce the frequency, duration, or severity of outbreaks.

If you have a sexually transmitted infection, beginning treatment right away can help relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage. During your appointment, you’ll also learn how to protect yourself and your partner against sexually transmitted infections.

Visit Cermak Immediate Care for thorough STD testing and an in-depth discussion of your treatment options, if necessary.