521 N Azusa Ave, Azusa California 91702
(626) 334-4061
Treatment for STDs and STIs, Including HIV
Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually-transmitted infections (STI) can have symptoms that range from none to very bothersome. If you have reason to believe that you picked up an STI which may lead to an STD, obtaining treatment is very important for your own health and that of current and future partners. You can get an infection through vaginal, anal, or oral contact with an infected partner. Without judgment, Family Medicine Headquarters offers testing and treatment.
Symptoms of STDs
Both men and women can contract these infections from sexual contact, especially when fluids have been exchanged between partners. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort while urinating or during sex
- Bumps, rashes, or sores near the genitals, buttocks, thigh, or mouth
- Discharge or bleeding from the penis or vagina
- Painful or swollen testicles for men or itchiness in or around the vagina for women
Symptoms vary by person, sex, and type of STD or infection you have picked up. Some types of infection can be cured with timely antibiotic treatments, but some like herpes, genital warts, and HIV never go away and can only be controlled. Some bacterial infections such as syphilis are linked to HIV.
What to Do If You Think You Might Have an STD
Getting an STD might be embarrassing and annoying, but the Family Medicine Headquarters is here for you as a non-judgmental source of help. Here is what we will do when you come in with concerns that you might have a sexually transmitted disease.
Testing: We will take a blood test, urine sample, and fluid sample from any open genital sores to determine if you have an infection and what it might be. We will also ask for a saliva sample to rule out HIV.
Screening: We will ask you some questions about your sexual behavior, partners, and history and then do appropriate scans.
Treatment: For a bacterial infection, we will prescribe a course of antibiotics and advise to abstain from sex for at least a week after your meds are completed. For viral infections such as HIV or herpes, you will be prescribed an anti-viral drug and offered sex education about safe sexual practices so you do not infect future partners.
Partner Notification: If you test positive for an STI or STD, most states require that we notify the state and local health department. Your current and past partners within the last 3-12 months must be notified of potential exposure to an STI or STD.
Counseling: You might feel anger, shame, hurt, or a range of other emotions if you have contracted an STI or STD, even if you unknowingly got it from a partner. Counseling can help you process your feelings, as you develop a plan of action for future sexual activity.
