Protect Your Health with Routine STD Testing

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a global public health issue, affecting millions of people. In light of this, Carrboro Family Medicine Center, under the guidance of Dr. Yulia Neyman, emphasizes the importance of routine STD testing as an essential aspect of overall health and wellness.

Early Detection and Treatment:
At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, routine STD testing is held in high regard as a significant component of maintaining overall health. Many STDs do not present any symptoms in the early stages, potentially leading to inadvertent transmission. With regular testing, Dr. Neyman and her team can detect these diseases early, even in the absence of symptoms, thereby preventing further spread and initiating prompt treatment.

Reduced Risk of Serious Complications:
Untreated STDs can lead to severe complications. The testing services provided by Dr. Neyman and her team can minimize the risk of these complications by identifying and treating infections early.

Empowerment and Peace of Mind:
Dr. Neyman understands that the psychological aspect of STD testing should not be overlooked. Regular testing facilitates people to take charge of their sexual health. It provides peace of mind, allows for informed decision-making, and enables immediate steps to manage the disease if one tests positive.

Frequency of Testing:
At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, the recommended frequency of STD testing depends on factors such as sexual activity, risk behaviors, and age. We advise annual testing or more frequent testing for individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, have multiple sexual partners, or have a history of STDs.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we understand the importance of maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of infections, which is why we advocate for regular STD testing. The frequency of this testing is contingent on several factors, such as your sexual activity, age, overall health status, and individual behavior.

Patients with High-Risk Behavior:

Dr. Yulia Neyman recommends patients who are sexually active with multiple partners, engage in unprotected sex or have a history of STDs get tested for STDs at least every 3-6 months. This includes men who have sexual relations with other men, individuals with HIV, or anyone who has been forced to engage in sexual activity.

Annual Testing at Carrboro Family Medicine Center:

For patients who are sexually active with low or moderate risk of STDs, annual testing is generally advised. Women should also schedule a Pap test with their annual STD test during their gynecological examination.
Specific Age Groups:

● Teenagers (13-24 years): Dr. Neyman encourages all sexually active adolescents to get tested for STDs annually.
● Young Adults (25-30 years): Annual STD testing is advised for sexually active individuals in this age group.
● Adults Over 30: If you’re sexually active with low risk and exhibit no symptoms, your testing frequency at Carrboro Family Medicine Center may reduce to every 2-3 years.
Testing for Specific STDs:

At Carrboro Family Medicine, we understand that STDs like HIV and hepatitis C may require more frequent testing if there is a risk of exposure.

Symptom-Based Testing at Carrboro Family Medicine Center:

STDs can often be asymptomatic, showing no visible signs or symptoms. However, if you experience symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or pain during sex, Dr. Neyman recommends getting tested immediately, irrespective of your previous testing history.

Other Considerations at Carrboro Family Medicine Center:

● Patients who inject drugs should get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
● Pregnant women are advised to get tested early in their pregnancy and again in the third trimester to protect both themselves and their unborn child.

Regular STD testing at Carrboro Family Medicine Center is imperative for early detection and treatment, preventing transmission to partners, reducing the risk of long-term complications such as infertility and cancer, and promoting sexual health and well-being.

If you discover that you’ve tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it’s entirely normal to experience a range of emotions, from shock and fear to anger and embarrassment. However, it’s crucial to remember that STDs are common and can affect anyone sexually active. Your immediate action should be to seek medical attention, and Carrboro Family Medicine Center is here to help.

Dr. Yulia Neyman is equipped to provide you with the necessary medical attention. She will be able to provide you with thorough information on your individual STD, such as how it is transmitted, the symptoms, potential complications, and available treatment options.

Another critical step is to inform your sexual partner or partners about your STD status. Though it may seem like a difficult conversation, it’s crucial for their health. They need to be tested and, if necessary, receive treatment to prevent further spread of the disease. By informing your partners, they can take the necessary steps to protect their health.

Dr. Yulia Neyman at Carrboro Family Medicine Center is a trusted provider of STD testing services. She believes in providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their sexual health and where they can receive comprehensive care. When you schedule an STD testing appointment with Dr. Neyman, you will be asked to provide details about your sexual history, any previous STD diagnoses, current symptoms you might be experiencing, and any medications you are taking.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, patients provide medical information and undergo physical examinations by Dr. Neyman for specific STDs, including genitals, anus, and mouth, and a pelvic examination for female patients to check reproductive organ abnormalities.

Dr. Neyman may also collect additional specimens, such as a swab from the urethra or anus to test for gonorrhea or chlamydia. She will explain each test before it’s conducted so you know what to expect.
After the samples have been collected, they will be sent to a lab for analysis. The time it takes to get results can vary. Some tests may have results within a few days, while others may take a week or more.

If a test comes back positive, Dr. Neyman will discuss treatment options with you. Throughout the appointment, honesty is of utmost importance. Dr. Neyman is here to help, not judge. Providing accurate information can ensure you get the most effective care and treatment. Remember, going for an STD test is a responsible step toward maintaining your health and the health of others. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.