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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common — over half of Americans will have an STI in their lifetime. At Sage Medical Clinic in Helena, Montana, the team of expert family medicine physicians offers convenient STI testing to adolescents and adults. If you’re experiencing symptoms or looking for preventive STI testing, the practice offers welcoming and efficient testing with quick results. Call the practice today to schedule an appointment, or reach out online.
What is STI testing?
STIs, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are typically spread through sexual activity — like vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
Close personal contact, like kissing, can sometimes spread an STI. A mother may also spread an infection to her unborn child.
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause STIs, which commonly include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
It’s important to treat certain STIs immediately, as they can lead to severe health problems, including blindness, brain damage, infertility, birth defects, and even death.
Fortunately, Sage Medical Clinic can treat all STIs and cure some infections entirely.
When do I need STI testing?
The team recommends all sexually active people undergo routine STI testing, especially higher risk groups, including:
- Women under the age of 25
- Women aged 21 and older — to detect for HPV
- Pregnant women
- People having unprotected sex
- People with multiple partners
- Men who have sex with men
- People with HIV
- People who use injectable drugs — needles can put you at risk for HIV
You should undergo STI testing if you have symptoms, including:
- Painful urination
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal discharge, unusual odor, or itching
- Discharge and/or itching from the penis
- Sores or bumps in the groin or rectal area
You may not have symptoms if you have an STI, so it’s crucial to seek out testing before you spread an infection to a partner.
What does STI testing include?
Sage Medical Clinic can test for several STIs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- Genital warts
- HPV
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Depending on the type of suspected infection, you may receive a blood, urine, or swab test.
Sage Medical Clinic has convenient in-house lab services that can provide immediate results for various tests.
If your provider diagnoses you with an STI, you shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. The team can help determine a treatment plan for you and prescribe you medication if needed. You should also tell your partner so they can get tested and treated if necessary.
To schedule welcoming and efficient STI testing, call Sage Medical Clinic today or reach out online.