STD Testing and Treatment

It’s distressing having a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but knowing ensures you avoid spreading the infection and get effective treatment. At Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, N’Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, offers onsite STD testing so you get results quickly. She also provides individualized evaluation and treatment in a non-judgmental environment to optimize your health and wellness. If you and your partner are well, Dr. Bamba is succeeding in maintaining a healthier community. Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center or book STD testing and treatment online today.

What is STD testing?

STDs are infections that spread via sexual contact with someone carrying the disease. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites may cause them. Common STDs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis

Hepatitis is also transmittable via sexual contact.

The earlier you detect and treat STDs, the less chance you’ll spread the infection to others. You should undergo routine STD screening if you’re sexually active outside a long-term monogamous relationship. Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center also offers testing for people with STD symptoms.

What symptoms might indicate I’d benefit from STD testing and treatment?

STD symptoms vary according to the type of infection but might include:

• Unusual discharge
• Pain or burning during urination
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore or swollen lymph nodes
• Pelvic pain
• Rash on your hands, feet, or trunk
• Fever

Genital, mouth, or anal sores, bumps, or warts can also develop. However, STDs often cause no symptoms, or the ones you have are so vague you don’t realize what’s wrong.

Untreated STDs can cause problems like pregnancy complications and infertility. Some are fatal without the proper treatment.

What does STD testing involve?

STD testing might involve taking a sample of the fluids coming from genital or anal sores if you have them. Dr. Bamba can also use lab services like urine and blood tests or perform a cervical swab, where she collects cells from your cervix.

She discusses your lifestyle and symptoms and reviews your medical history. She checks vital signs like temperature and heart rate and completes a physical exam. This will likely include a pelvic exam for women, or a genitals check for men.

What treatment might I need after STD testing?

STD treatment varies depending on which condition you have. For example, Dr. Bamba might prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections like syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. However, these drugs have no effect on viral infections like HIV or genital herpes. 

If you have an STD, it’s vital to notify previous sexual partners so they can have an STD test. You should avoid sex during antibiotic treatment and ensure your current partner gets STD testing and treatment.

Call Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center to arrange STD testing and treatment. You can also schedule an appointment using the online booking form at any time.