Confidential STI Testing Clinic Q&A

At Express Health Urgent Care, we understand the importance of comprehensive and discreet sexual health care. Our experienced healthcare providers offer timely and confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing services to support your well-being and peace of mind.

STI tests are medical screenings designed to detect infections transmitted through sexual contact. At Express Health Urgent Care, our tests cover a wide range of sexually transmitted infections, including bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis; viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C viruses; and parasitic infections like trichomoniasis.

Our skilled providers utilize various testing methods tailored to your individual needs, including blood tests, urine samples, swabs from genital areas, throat, or rectum, as well as visual examinations for symptoms. The type of STI screening recommended for you will be based on your risk factors, symptoms, and sexual health history, ensuring personalized and thorough care.

Regular STI testing is essential because many sexually transmitted infections may exist without noticeable symptoms yet can lead to significant health complications if left untreated. Early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent serious long-term complications, including infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy-related issues, and increased risk of certain cancers. It also reduces the risk of transmitting infections to others.

We encourage open communication about your sexual health with our caring and respectful healthcare providers. Our goal is to help you determine the appropriate frequency and type of STI testing best suited for your lifestyle and individual circumstances. Walk in today or schedule an appointment to prioritize your sexual health in a convenient, comfortable, and supportive environment.

We understand the importance of quick, confidential, and accurate testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our experienced medical team utilizes several effective methods to detect STIs, helping you maintain your health and peace of mind.

One common testing method we offer at Express Health Urgent Care is blood testing. Through a simple blood draw, we can screen for infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. These tests detect specific antibodies or antigens your immune system produces in response to infection, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment.

We also provide convenient urine testing, a quick and non-invasive method frequently used to diagnose bacterial STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. By analyzing urine samples, we can identify bacterial DNA or other markers of infection, allowing for accurate diagnosis and prompt care.

Additionally, our providers may perform swab tests when necessary. Swabs can be collected from the genital area, throat, or rectum, depending on your symptoms and possible exposure risks. These tests effectively detect pathogens such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, or human papillomavirus (HPV) directly at the site of infection.

At Express Health Urgent Care, our providers carefully evaluate your symptoms, sexual history, and potential exposure risks to determine the most appropriate testing method for your situation. We are committed to providing discreet, compassionate, and timely STI testing and treatment services to support your health and well-being.

At Express Health Urgent Care, we understand that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause considerable concern and anxiety. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential to protect your health and the health of your partners.

STIs can present a wide range of symptoms, though some individuals may experience only mild symptoms or none at all. Symptoms can differ significantly depending on the specific infection involved.

Common symptoms of STIs include:

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, often with an unusual odor, color, or consistency.

• Painful or uncomfortable urination, including a burning sensation or increased frequency.

• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

• Itching, irritation, redness, or swelling in the genital region.

• Appearance of sores, blisters, or ulcers around the genitals, anus, or mouth.

In some cases, STIs may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and general muscle or joint aches. Certain infections like hepatitis or HIV can result in additional symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or prolonged fatigue.

At Express Health Urgent Care, our providers emphasize the importance of regular STI screenings and routine check-ups for sexually active individuals, even if they have no noticeable symptoms. Early detection and treatment can minimize complications and help prevent the spread of infections.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to an STI, our experienced medical team is here to provide confidential, compassionate, and prompt care. 

At Express Health Urgent Care, it’s important for our patients to clearly understand sexual health terminology so they can make informed decisions about their care. While people often use the terms Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) interchangeably, they have different meanings.

An STI refers specifically to the presence of an infection, meaning bacteria, viruses, or parasites have entered the body and can potentially be transmitted to others. At this stage, individuals may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms or signs of illness, yet they can still unknowingly pass the infection to their sexual partners.

An STD, on the other hand, occurs when such an infection progresses to the point of causing noticeable symptoms or health complications. Essentially, all STDs start as STIs, but not every STI becomes an STD. Recognizing this difference is important because it highlights that many sexually transmitted infections can exist without obvious symptoms. That’s why regular screening and early detection at facilities like Express Health Urgent Care are critical to your overall health.

Medical professionals, including our team, increasingly prefer the term STI because it accurately represents the possibility of asymptomatic infections. Using “infection” rather than “disease” also helps reduce stigma, encouraging more patients to proactively seek testing and treatment.

We encourage routine sexual health screenings, safe sex practices, and open, judgment-free communication with our healthcare providers. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you manage your sexual health discreetly, comfortably, and effectively, ensuring prompt diagnosis, treatment, and peace of mind.

Take control of your health with care you can trust—our team is here when you need answers, not anxiety. Your privacy and comfort are always our priority.  For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in East Harlem, NY, Metropolitan, NY, and Staten Island, NY.  We serve patients from East Harlem, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Staten Island, Rossville, Tottenville, the Metropolitan New York City area, and surrounding neighborhoods in NY.