Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual activity. Every day, more than 1 million men and women around the world suffer from STDs. STIs have become more prevalent, leading to severe health complications if left untreated. As a matter of fact, Oklahoma City is no different. We, Equality Health, provide STD testing in Oklahoma City to empower you to take control of your sex life and make informed choices about your sexual health. 
The Importance of STD Testing and Prevention
Do you know?-During sex, more than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites get transmitted. STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are transmitted through various sexual activities like vaginal, anal, or even oral! Here are common types of STDs and their potential life-altering health complications if left untreated. Some complications develop over time due to a lack of early detection STD tests because some STDs do not show signs or symptoms.
- Syphilis: Causes blindness, loss of motor skills, dementia, and heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, and bone damage.
- Hepatitis B and C: Causes cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Gonorrhea: Causes PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), and infertility.
- Chlamydia: Also causes PID and infertility.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Can reduce your life expectancy with various opportunistic infections.
Equality Health strives to meet the standards of the OKC Health Department in the STD testing center in OKC. We have all the necessary resources and a team of health professionals who have a collective experience of 25 years to facilitate you with the confidential, accurate, and accessible STD testing service right here in Oklahoma! We work with understanding and compassion to strive for no new STD cases throughout the state.
Benefits of STD Testing at Equality Health
At Equality Health, we suggest taking STD tests every 3 to 6 months if sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship, especially if you have multiple sex partners and do not use condoms regularly.
- Early Detection STI Testing and Timely Treatment: Regular STD testing allows us to detect infections early. Some STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea show no symptoms in many people. So routine tests help us provide prompt treatment to prevent the risk of serious complications and the spread of STDs.
- Protect your Health and Your Partners: With STD tests, you are practicing responsible sexual health. Getting tested and sharing your status with partner(s) allows you to take precautions to protect everyone involved.
- Preventing Long-Term Complications: If you don’t treat STDs in time, some cause serious long-term complications like infertility or increased risk of HIV transmission.
Equality Health provides routine STD testing in OKC to help you have a healthy sex life and to keep you in the driver’s seat no matter what your romantic/sexual situation is.
Types of STD Testing
We at Equality Health provide various tests to navigate if you have any STIs. Our tests are minimally invasive, and our professionals follow all safety guidelines. Our common STD testing methods:
- STD Blood Tests: With blood tests, we detect STDs like HIV and hepatitis C.
- Urine Tests: This test allows the detection of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas
- Swab Tests: This test can identify infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea in places other than the urinary tract.
The type of tests we use allows for the precise detection of different infections:
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs): This test provides accurate results, especially for STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. With this method, we study the DNA of the infection inside you to give a more definitive result.
- Antibody Tests: We run these tests to study specific antibodies in your body, such as our HIV testing or Syphilis infection.
Remember, at Equality Health, we look at the symptoms and risk factors first and recommend these tests accordingly. Additionally, we have programs for our insured and uninsured patients. So, even if you are uninsured, we will never turn you away without testing or treatment, if necessary.
STD Testing Procedures and Preparation
Some of our tests require specific preparation to ensure accurate results. Please go through these guidelines to prepare for your tests:
- Fasting Requirement: There are no fasting requirements for blood tests. Just drink plenty of water before your appointment. Doing it allows your body to hydrate for the blood to draw properly.
- Urination Requirement: Please refrain from urinating for at least 1 hour before your appointment for urine tests.
If you need clarification about any requirement for any specific test, feel free to contact our team.
Interpreting STD Test Results
At Equality Health’s local STD testing clinic in Oklahoma City, we understand the stigma of STDs. That’s why we always keep your test results confidential. Here’s how we interpret your test results:
- Positive: Indicates that you have an STD. Our team will assist you with various treatment options and necessary follow-up tests.
- Negative: Indicates that you DO NOT have an STD. However, we advise you to maintain regular testing and follow safer sex practices.
- Inconclusive: Indicates that you may need repeat testing.
For certain infections like HIV, rapid STD testing is available, which provides results within 15 minutes. This test accurately confirms whether HIV is present or absent in your body. If we receive a positive confirmation, a blood sample will be taken and sent for testing to see how much virus you have in your system. See our HIV tabs for more information. After receiving your full panel STD test results, your next steps may include seeking further treatment for STDs. Our medical experts are here to guide you with information and treatment options.
Prevention Strategies: Safeguarding Sexual Well-being
When maintaining a healthy sex life, there is just 1 rule-Use condoms! Condoms can help to significantly reduce the risk of STD transmission. We provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for HIV-prone patients. You must take PrEP daily to lower the chances of contracting a virus. Don’t worry. We will guide you through the risk factors and how to obtain PrEP. Click here for further information on: PrEP for HIV prevention, Hepatitis C testing, Hepatitis C treatment, HIV testing, and HIV treatment in Oklahoma City.
Contact Equality Health STD Testing Clinic in Oklahoma City, OK
Remember, safe sex is the best sex. If you’re experiencing STD symptoms or engaging in behavior that increases the STD risk, get tested at Equality Health’s STD clinics immediately for a full panel STD test. Schedule an appointment with us for cheap STD testing in OKC, and take charge of your sexual health now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! PrEP is covered by most insurance plans and state medical programs. Following the Affordable Care Act, PrEP must be included in almost all healthcare plans. It means that you won’t get charged for the medication of PrEP or the healthcare visits that are required to maintain your prescription of PrEP. You can also directly talk to your insurance provider to learn more about your PrEP plans.
You can always rely on Equality Health for quality PrEP in OKC. We make sure that our patients receive the best care and good quality PrEP medication so they don’t have to compromise on anything. We also provide HIV testing and counseling services. If you are at risk of contracting HIV, our providers will recommend the right dosage of PrEP to help prevent you from contracting the virus.
The cost of PrEP for HIV prevention can fluctuate depending on which medication you choose. For a monthly supply of a generic PrEP brand, it can cost you around $70, but for a monthly supply of PrEP medications that do not have a generic it can be much more costly. Insurance will typically cover PrEP, and other programs help with cost.
PrEP is extremely effective in preventing HIV among people. It can easily reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%. It also lowers the chances and risks of contracting HIV from injection drugs by 74%. However, you must take PrEP continuously as suggested and prescribed by your doctor.
While PrEP is effective in preventing HIV, it can have some long-term health effects, like bone density loss and potential kidney issues, but not everyone experiences these. Initially, you may also experience some minor side effects, which is normal. Some common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Weight fluctuations
