Time to Test: Rapid, Reliable Results

It’s time to have the conversation. As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s important to be aware of what the CDC is reporting as a rising trend of STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, in the United States, with 2.5 million new reported cases. STDs affect many more millions of people worldwide, and yet, many individuals are unaware of their status. Knowing your status is essential for maintaining your health and preventing the spread of these infections.

Common Symptoms

In some cases, you may not even know you’ve been infected. You may be asymptomatic, or symptoms may go unnoticed until there are health complications or you get the news that a sexual partner has been diagnosed. The Mayo Clinic  says to look out for these symptoms that could indicate you have been infected through sexual transmission:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

The difficulty in knowing whether or not you are infected is that symptoms may never appear, may appear years later, or a few days after exposure. The concern about STDs is that they can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Some STDs can cause infertility, chronic pain, and other long-term health problems. In addition, many STDs can be easily passed on to sexual partners, even when the infected person is not experiencing any symptoms. This means that people who have multiple sexual partners or who engage in unprotected sex are at an increased risk of contracting and spreading STDs.

Increasing Infections in the Senior Community

Another growing public health concern is the rising number of infections seen in the senior community. As we experience the largest population of older Americans, the baby boomers — officials are seeing a rising number of STIs in Americans aged 55+. In just under 10 years, officials have seen:

  • A 164% increase in gonorrhea
  • A 120% increase in syphilis
  • An 86% increase in chlamydia

Source: Everyday Health (2019).

Get Tested at Any Lab Test Now®

If you are sexually active, you should get tested regularly. Any Lab Test Now offers private, affordable, and convenient STD testing options for anyone looking to take control of their health. We understand that this can be a sensitive subject for many but we respect your privacy and take the utmost discretion. We follow all HIPAA regulations, which provides you with the peace of mind that you will receive a high standard of care with complete confidentiality.

We offer several testing options including: The Basic STD Panel, Comprehensive STD Plus, Comprehensive STD Platinum Female Panel, & Comprehensive STD Platinum Male Panel.

Need Same-Day Results?

We now offer two innovative tests that give you the answers you need in as little as 30 minutes!

Take Control of Your Health

Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, the lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further information or sharing with a trusted advisor.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

STD/STI Risks for Young Adults

Although most states provide sex ed in public schools, it’s always good to talk to your teen or young adult about the risks associated with being sexually active. For many young people who may be experiencing independence for the first time, either heading off to college, living on their own, or starting their first job in a new career — embarking on these “firsts” can be challenging.

Navigating this unknown territory for young adults involves making decisions that can affect their overall health and well-being. The National Institutes of Health reports that this transitional time into a new life chapter is the ideal opportunity to emphasize long-term health, like implementing safe sex practices.

Health Risks Associated with STDs

Here’s why. Health issues associated with sexual contact disease transmission have reached epidemic proportions in the United States, according to the CDC. Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), historically referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are on the upswing since 2020. The latest figures from 2021 show more than 2.5 million reported cases of STDs throughout the U.S

These are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms. STDs can be spread from one person to another during sexual activity, including intercourse without a condom, sharing of sex toys, and contact with infected body fluids.

Common STDs include:

  • Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it is one of the most common bacterial STDs and can be asymptomatic in some cases.
  • Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can cause genital warts and is linked to the development of certain cancers.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A viral infection causing genital herpes, which is characterized by painful sores or blisters in the genital or anal area.
  • Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms if left untreated.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A viral infection that attacks the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, it is one of the most common curable STDs.

Symptoms Are Problematic

The difficulty with STDs is that some are asymptomatic, so you don’t even know you’ve been infected, or you have mild symptoms that go unnoticed. Often people don’t learn about exposure unless a sexual partner has been diagnosed. The Mayo Clinic says to look out for these symptoms that could indicate you have been infected through sexual transmission:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or the oral or rectal area.
  • Painful or burning urination.
  • Discharge from the penis.
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge.
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread.
  • Lower abdominal pain.
  • Fever
  • Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet.

STDs are tricky because symptoms may never appear or can appear years after being infected. But left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility, chronic pain, and other long-term health problems. In addition, many STDs can be easily passed on to sexual partners, even when the infected person is not experiencing any symptoms. This means that people who have multiple sexual partners or who engage in unprotected sex are at an increased risk of contracting and spreading STDs.

Any Lab Test Now® Screenings

For people who may not be practicing safe sex, getting regular STD screenings, and discussing sexual health with partners to reduce the risk of transmission is important. Early detection and treatment of STDs are crucial to prevent complications and further spread.

Any Lab Test Now® is a judgment-free zone. We are here to provide answers when you need them. Our STD PANEL, COMPREHENSIVE, is a screening test for infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact. This panel looks for HIV, syphilis, herpes (HSV1 & HSV 2), gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If you are interested in testing for additional STDs, you should consider the COMPREHENSIVE STD PLUS. A blood sample and a urine sample are required for these tests. A vaginal swab (for females) may also be used.

The lab tests we provide are accurate, confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or discussing the results with sexual partners. We understand this is a sensitive issue, so we provide the utmost care and discretion with these matters, and adhere to strict HIPAA regulations.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

It’s important for young adults to understand the value of their health and make informed choices that support their well-being. We are here as a resource to obtain answers with tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Get Tested Together

To help promote good health, here at Any Lab Test Now® we feel it is important to educate you about health issues that can affect your life. In doing so, we provide testing that allows you to be proactive and empowers you to manage your wellbeing .

Information About STDs/STIs

Up-to-date information about STDs/STIs is important to sexually active persons. Case in point—the terminology, STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, is outdated. The stigma over the word “disease” is inaccurate in many cases regarding conditions that can occur through sexual transmission. Since innovations in medicine have provided many more treatments, better management, and often cures for these conditions, some STDs are also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Why Testing is Important

Based on information from the CDC, STDs/STIs are very common, with millions of new infections occurring every year in the United States. These infections are passed along through intimate physical contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Some of the infections are silent, meaning you would have no telltale signs or symptoms that you’ve had exposure to an infection. Because of this, it’s good practice to receive testing for STDs/STIs not only for your health but to avoid passing an infection on to sexual partners. It’s important to remember that there are many new treatments, managements, and cures for some STIs, so do not be apprehensive about getting tested. Often, the sooner the infection is detected, and treatment begins, the more positive the outcome for your health.

Get Tested Together

If you are in a relationship, you and your partner may consider getting tested together. Any Lab Test Now® can assist you with a number of tests designed to give you the most accurate results in a reasonable amount of time.

Basic STD Panel

The same activities that lead you to be at risk for one particular STD can lead you to be at risk for all of them. That’s why we offer this basic, comprehensive panel which includes the following tests: 

  • HIV
  • RPR (Syphilis)
  • GonorrheaChlamydia
  • Herpes Simplex virus type 1 and type 2

Comprehensive STD Plus

The Comprehensive STD Plus panel tests use both urine and blood tests for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases at the same time. This helps to ensure you have been tested for many other infections that you may not have realized you were exposed to since you may not be symptomatic. The Comprehensive STD Plus includes the following tests:  

  • HIV type 1 and type 2
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomonas vaginalis

Comprehensive STD Platinum Female Panel

The Comprehensive STD Platinum Female Panel tests for several sexually transmitted diseases at the same time. You’ll notice this test includes testing for HPV, human papillomavirus. Information published by the CDC says HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. There are HPV vaccines available to prevent risk, but without protection against HPV, certain types can cause health issues like genital warts and cancers.

This panel includes the following tests:

  • HIV 1 and 2 – 4th generation antigen/antibody that helps diagnose for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection
  • Hepatitis B – Causes serious liver infection by the hepatitis B virus
  • Hepatitis C – Causes liver inflammation, possibly leading to serious liver damage
  • Syphilis – A bacterial infection that is spread from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact
  • Gonorrhea – Sexually transmitted bacterium which can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat
  • Chlamydia – Sexually transmitted bacterium which can cause serious permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system
  • Herpes simplex virus (type 1 and type 2) – Infections that are transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, genital secretions, oral secretions, or mucosal secretions.
  • Trichomonas vaginalis – This is an infection of a protozoan parasite that is contracted during sex
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) – This is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

Comprehensive STD Platinum Male Panel

The Comprehensive STD Platinum Male Panel tests for several sexually transmitted diseases at the same time. Like the Comprehensive Female Panel, this panel includes testing for HPV or the human papillomavirus. The CDC says HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, especially among young people. While there is a vaccine available, those who did not receive the vaccine are at increased risk of being infected with HPV. Certain types of this virus can remain silent; others can cause health issues like genital warts and cancers.

This panel includes the following tests:

  1. HIV 1 and 2 – 4th generation antigen/antibody that helps diagnose for HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection
  2. Hepatitis B – Causes serious liver infection by the hepatitis B virus
  3. Hepatitis C – Causes liver inflammation, possibly leading to serious liver damage
  4. Syphilis – A bacterial infection that is spread from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact
  5. Gonorrhea – Sexually transmitted bacterium which can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat
  6. Chlamydia – Sexually transmitted bacterium which can cause serious permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system
  7. Herpes simplex virus (type 1 and 2) – Infections that are transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, genital secretions, oral secretions, or mucosal secretions.
  8. Trichomonas vaginalis – This is an infection of a protozoan parasite that is contracted during sex
  9. Human papillomavirus (HPV) – This is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

How to Handle Your Test Results

The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. No matter what the results are, we encourage you to have a conversation with your provider about any next steps that may need to be taken.

If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care. This service helps you find a provider licensed in your state.

Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health

Staying well-informed about risk factors if you are sexually active is important. More important is ensuring your health through testing available at Any Lab Test Now®. We are here to provide the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Sexual Health Awareness

Focusing on your family’s overall health encompasses many aspects of wellness. For example, when we define sexual health, it’s the ability to embrace and enjoy your sexuality throughout your life. It’s an important part of your physical and emotional health. Interwoven to your sexual health is maintaining a healthy body and positive mental health.

Sexual Health Awareness Month is intended to make you cognizant of issues that may affect your sexual health. The purpose is to educate you about protecting yourself and being responsible as a sexually active person.

According to the CDC, prevention campaigns are designed to inform the public about problems related to sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. But, based on recent data, cases of STDs are on the rise; and remain a public health concern due to their high transmissibility rate. Specifically, there has been an increase in cases of gonorrhea and syphilis.

The World Health Organization reports that more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired daily worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic.

Not having symptoms to know if you have a sexually transmitted illness (STI) can provide a false sense of security. If you think you’re susceptible, a blood test is the most conclusive and thorough test available.

Many people who suspect they were exposed to an STI will make an appointment with their health care provider or a clinic, which may require proof of insurance and consultation with a provider.

But there is another way to provide the utmost confidentiality for what some might consider a sensitive matter. You can go to your closest Any Lab Test Now® location, without an appointment, for a private screening. The results are yours and you decide how to proceed with the information you receive, whether that means you choose to share it with your physician or not.

If you want to be proactive and take your health into your own hands, Any Lab Test Now® can help. We are a confidential health center that can provide STD testing for a number of sexually transmitted illnesses. If you have noticed unusual symptoms, you could have an STD that can be serious if left untreated and can be spread to another person.

STD Testing with Any Lab Test Now®

  • There is a Basic STD Panel that screens for several common sexually transmitted diseases.
  • If you are concerned a sexual partner may have chlamydia, it’s a good idea for you to be tested as well. This STD is caused by a common bacterium that can result in complications if not treated. It can be a serious disease that often has minimal or no symptoms, so you may not realize you have it.
  • Trichomoniasis is a very common (STD) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It causes vaginal infections in women and urethral and prostate infections in men.
  • The Comprehensive STD Platinum Female Panel tests for several sexually transmitted diseases at the same time. It tests for HIV, syphilis, herpes I and II, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Trichomonas vaginalis, and HPV (human papillomavirus).
  • Similarly, there is the Comprehensive STD Platinum Male Panel. It tests for HIV, syphilis, herpes I and II, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Trichomonas vaginalis, and HPV (human papillomavirus).
  • The Comprehensive STD Plus is another test for several sexually transmitted diseases. It includes a urine test as well as a blood test, which test for HIV, syphilis, herpes I and II, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • There are several types of hepatitis — each caused by a different hepatitis virus. In general, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B can be contracted through unprotected sex, using contaminated needles, or other causes. You should take the Hepatitis B (STD) test if you have symptoms of an infection or have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Our comprehensive panels at Any Lab Test Now® are thoroughly conclusive. However, some who suspect they have an STD may choose to get tested elsewhere using a venereal disease research laboratory test, or VDRL, to determine if they have the antibodies that the body produces when you have syphilis. The VDRL may cause a false positive if the patient has other conditions like HIV/AIDS, therefore a full panel screening is a better option to zero-in on a specific condition.

The Importance of STD Testing

Being checked for STDs is important for your overall health because, if caught in time, there are treatments and even cures for some of these illnesses. For instance, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are curable. Others are viral infections, which are incurable but may be treatable in many cases. They include hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

If you would like to discuss the results of these or any other blood test, Any Lab Test Now® provides DialCare — a service that is useful for customers who might not have health insurance and want to consult with a provider about the results or are looking for privacy when it comes to results. Perhaps you don’t have time for a virtual or in-person appointment with your own provider, in collaboration with DialCare, Any Lab Test Now® can explain the results.

School is Back, Take Back Your Health, Too

Any Lab Test Now® makes it easy to prioritize your health. As we round the corner with the start of a new school year, it’s important to be on top of your family’s health, whether that means coming in for COVID-19 testing or answers to health concerns.

Having bloodwork done provides options, whether that’s peace of mind or a direction toward healing, it is a great step in ensuring you’re doing all you can to safeguard your family.

Any Lab Test Now® is safe, confidential, and convenient for you and your family. We have more than 200 locations across the country. For the best way to start the school year, click here to find your nearest Any Lab Test Now® location.

STD Testing: Love Your Loved Ones Safely

It’s been nearly two years since COVID-19 first made headlines, and with the stay-at-home orders and lockdowns, many people turned to each other for entertainment. Whether it’s boredom or intentional family planning, there’s a lot of baby announcements popping up on social media feeds everywhere. While that’s the positive side to people getting busy, on the flip side, there’s a grim epidemic currently plaguing the nation. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise as fewer people are getting tested and treated.

The numbers are staggering. A recent 2021 study from the CDC states that the rate of STDs has hit a record high for the sixth consecutive year. More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2019. This year, the city with the highest STD rate was Jackson, Mississippi, knocking last year’s titleholder, Baltimore, Maryland, to second place. Sexually transmitted diseases can have devastating effects. Now is a good time to stop the profusion of STD cases and make our sexual health a priority.

What better way to love yourself and your partner than making sure you’re in the best possible health to be intimate? It’s the ultimate self-care. There are many STDs to be aware of and protect yourself against. At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer a Comprehensive STD Panel that tests for all major STDs at the same time for one low price. It’s all completely confidential. 

This includes:

STDs often have symptoms that mirror other diseases, making them hard to diagnose. Sometimes they have no symptoms at all. Even if you have no visible symptoms, you still have an STD; and without treatment, it can lead to several complications, some life-threatening. This increases the importance to check this test off your New Year’s to-do list as soon as possible. This way, you can focus on quality time with your partner(s) without fear of what you could be spreading without even knowing it. 

It’s unfortunate that many of the side effects of sexually transmitted diseases are not felt until later in life. It is estimated that chlamydia is one of the leading causes of infertility, with at least 20,000 women experiencing this tragedy each year. However, if caught early on, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can also treat gonorrhea and syphilis, but if left untreated, these STDs put people, including newborns, at risk for chronic pain, severe life outcomes, and HIV. 

Since you can’t rely on symptoms to be a sure sign you have an STD, routine testing is vital to maintaining your sexual health and peace of mind. Once you get tested, if it’s negative, you’re encouraged to practice safer sex by doing any of the following to reduce your risk of contracting an STD in your future:

  • Use condoms
  • Communicate with your partner about their sexual history
  • Vaccinations (HPV vaccine is available and safe)

New Year, Better You!

Any Lab Test Now® provides transparent and inexpensive prices for customers who have no insurance, high deductible insurance, or simply want to monitor their health proactively. Any Lab Test Now® is committed to helping you prioritize your health this year. We encourage you to maintain your New Year’s resolutions. There are enough scary germs circulating around as you go about your daily life, don’t let STDs also be one that affects you. For the new year, have your sexual health take precedence as you make your way to a better you.

Book an appointment online or walk into any of our more than 200+ Any Lab Test Now® locations. 

Why Now is a Good Time to Take an STD Test

While Americans were lining up in droves to get tested for COVID-19 during the last year, there was one type of test many people stopped requesting altogether: sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests. Now, health experts fear an undetected spread will lead to a surge in STD case numbers in the future.

In a study from Penn State College of Medicine, researchers reviewed data on more than 18 million STD test results from patients aged 14 to 49 from January 2019 through June 2020; and found screening declines of 63 percent for men and 59 percent for women in the early months of the pandemic. The rest of the 2020 data has not been released yet, but experts expect the numbers will reflect a similar decline.

Despite stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and other pandemic protocols to combat COVID-19, there is growing evidence that people continued to be sexually active with people outside their household. Activity on dating apps soared. One hookup app reported having 11 percent more swipes and 42 percent matches last year, making 2020 its busiest year.

When the pandemic first started, the United States was experiencing record-high rates of STDs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rates dropped dramatically toward the end of 2020, but the downturn is a false reflection of the number of people living with STDs. Instead, it reflects the decrease in the number of people who have been tested, not a decrease in the number of people who have contracted an STD. Once testing for STDs returns to pre-pandemic levels, there’s likely to be an increase in diagnosed infections. The fact that some Americans could have been living with an undetected STD could lead to more related health consequences, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, infertility, and increased risk of HIV.

The best way to stop the spread of STDs is for people to know they have one. Since some people can be infected with STDs without showing symptoms, routine testing is an important part of diagnosis and prevention.

Get Tested

The general rule is that everyone who is sexually active should get tested once a year unless they’ve been in a long-term monogamous relationship and are sure of their partner’s status.

Sexual health is important. There are several STDs you should know about. Click on each of the names below to learn more about the transmission and symptoms.

A Comprehensive STD Panel like the one offered at Any Lab Test Now® tests for all major STDs at one time for one low price. No fasting is required. All test results are kept confidential.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including STD testing.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 190+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus pandemic. We are here to help.

For more information about Any Lab Test Now, and the tests we offer, visit us at www.anylabtestnow.com.

The ABCs of STDs

Just because the focus has mainly been on COVID-19 doesn’t mean other health threats are going away. Sexually transmitted diseases are a good example.

STD rates appear to be rising across the United States as fewer people get tested and treated during the pandemic. COVID-19 has reduced the number of places where STD testing is available. Many public health department workers who typically trace HIV and STD cases are being pulled off to help with coronavirus testing. A recent survey finds 83 percent of STD programs have paused services, and 66 percent of clinics report a decline in sexual health screenings due to COVID-19.

This couldn’t have come at a worse time in the fight against STDs. Combined cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are at an all-time high in the United States, according to the annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts say these rates are an epidemic amid a pandemic.

However, despite the stay-at-home orders and calls for social distancing, people are still having sex.

STDs can have severe health consequences if not treated. The diseases are spread through unprotected sex. Sometimes a person will have symptoms, but it is possible to have an STD and spread it to another person even if there are no symptoms.

Just because COVID 19 is limiting testing at public health departments, you can still find out if you have a sexually transmitted disease anytime at Any Lab Test Now. A comprehensive screening panel tests for all major STDs at one time at one low price. No fasting is required. All test results are kept confidential.

Here are the most common STDs and the symptoms:

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the U.S. It is caused by a common bacterium that can be treated with antibiotics. But if left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications. Symptoms include an odd discharge from the vagina or penis or painful urination. Only about 25 percent of women; and 50 percent of men get symptoms.

Women who don’t get treated for chlamydia can suffer permanent damage to their reproductive system.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common sexually transmitted disease. Like chlamydia, it is caused by a bacterium and has similar symptoms — unusual discharge from the vagina or penis and/or painful urination. Most men with gonorrhea will exhibit symptoms, but only about 20 percent of women will experience symptoms.

Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both men and women, including infertility.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sneaky STD. There are several stages of the disease, which can overlap. Syphilis usually starts with a sore called a chancre. It can show up anywhere in or around the male or female genitalia and can be mistaken for a pimple or ingrown hair. The chancres usually clear up in a few weeks, but the syphilis remains. A secondary stage of the disease involves a rash on the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms. People whose untreated syphilis moves into the late stage can face serious health problems such as tumors, blindness, and paralysis.

Syphilis is easily treated by antibiotics in the early stage. The treatment will still work in the late stage but won’t reverse any damage already done to the body.

Herpes

There are two strains of herpes to look out for – herpes 1 (HSV-1) and herpes 2 (HSV-2). The main symptoms are painful blisters around the penis, vagina, or anus. However, not everyone who has herpes gets blisters. Even if you have protected sex with someone who has herpes, you can still catch it. All it takes is skin-to-skin contact, including areas that a condom doesn’t cover. Herpes is a virus and can’t be cured, but medication is available to help control it.

Some of the complications associated with herpes include bladder issues and an increased risk for contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. Babies born to mothers infected with herpes can be exposed to the virus during birth — possibly resulting in brain damage, blindness, or even death.

HIV

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse with an infected person or sharing a needle with someone who is infected. It can also be passed through body fluids such as blood, semen, and breast milk — but HIV is not transmitted through saliva or by kissing.

Symptoms of HIV vary. It can feel like the flu, with body aches, fever, and fatigue. There is no cure for HIV, but there are drugs that can help people with HIV live long lives.

Testing Recommendations

Regular STD testing is important if you have sex, no matter how healthy you seem. The CDC recommends that any sexually active adult get tested for STDs regularly, depending on age and number of sexual partners.

  • All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV. Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
  • All sexually active women younger than 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women over 25 with risk factors (new or multiple sex partners) should also be tested yearly.
  • All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B.
  • All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested annually for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs, including HIV.

 Be at Ease

If you are considering STD testing but are wary of bumping into a coronavirus patient at your doctor’s office, you can be at ease with a visit to Any Lab Test Now. We provide you with a safe and clean alternative location for lab work.  Each of our 185+ stores is sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols.

Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Safety First! Any Lab Test Now Offers Lab Tests for Athletes

As an MMA fighter, boxer or other combative sports competitor or athlete, you already know that achieving peak performance means taking care of your body and health first. Vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances and other health problems can affect your success in the ring and even put you in danger of injury. That’s why many athletic organizations go so far as to require lab testing for their athletes — to make sure they are healthy and fit to compete and won’t be placing themselves in harm’s way.

The good news is, if you need required lab testing before your competition, you can get your results quickly and easily at Any Lab Test Now. Your local Any Lab Test Now location can provide your lab results before your next big fight or other athletic event, with no appointment or insurance necessary. You’ll have your results in 72 hours or less. We are proud to be the Lab Testing Provider for MMA and other combative sports fighters, getting fighters the results they need without the wait or the hassle.

MMA, Boxing and Other Combative Sports

The Fighter Panel at Any Lab Test Now is specially designed to meet the lab test needs of MMA fighters, boxers and other combative sports athletes. To be eligible to compete, many combative sports fighters are required to present their test results to their state athletic commission. The Fighter Panel includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These tests will ensure your immune system is not compromised and that you are ready to fight.

While certain tests are required for competition, others are simply recommended for peak health, safety and performance in the ring, including:

Make sure you’re taking care of your health first to become the athlete you were always meant to be.

Other Athletes

If you aren’t a combative sports athlete, you may not need the same required lab testing that competitive fighting requires. However, many competitive athletes will still benefit from establishing a baseline for their health and fitness goals. Your baseline will help you improve your performance and let you know what might be going on when something doesn’t feel quite right. Common lab tests for athletes looking to monitor their overall health include:

As an athlete, your health is crucial to staying safe, fit and high-performing on the field, court or fighting ring. Stay at the top of your game by taking care of your health first. Schedule a lab test appointment online or call the experts at Any Lab Test Now to learn what testing options are right for you.

 

Tests to Consider for the New Year

This time of year, many people are making resolutions to change their lives for the better. Resolutions give people a sense of new beginnings for themselves, and a chance to look forward to the progress they will make toward becoming a healthier, happier individual. Most people who make a New Year’s resolution are thinking of their health – they want to make positive changes in their appearance and overall livelihood.

But what many people don’t realize when they’re staring in the mirror is that good health starts on the inside. To appear healthier on the outside, you must first make healthy, internal changes. If you’re looking to make a change, but don’t know where to start, Any Lab Test Now has several tests that can help you accomplish your resolutions for 2017:

Sensitivity and Intolerance Tests

One great way to make a healthy change is to finally find out what’s been causing your unexplained ailments or discomfort. Often, people with a food sensitivity or intolerance don’t realize what is causing their health issues. That’s because it’s hard to isolate just one food as the cause of your pain. This is where Sensitivity and Intolerance Tests can help! These tests can help you determine any food sensitivities or intolerances you may have, letting you get to the bottom of what is causing your health problems.

Sexual Health Lab Tests

If you are sexually active, it is important to make sure you are healthy and disease-free. Most people know they should get tested for STDs, but continually put it off. The thing is, by putting off getting tested, you’ll continue to feel that nagging worry in the back of your mind – “Do I have a disease?” Give yourself peace of mind by finding out for sure in 2017, and taking care of your health from head to toe. Any Lab Test Now’s Sexual Health Lab Tests will help you check off that big “to-do” item lingering in your thoughts.

Diabetes Lab Tests and Cholesterol Lab Tests

Before you can look healthy on the outside, you must address the issues going on inside your body. If you are concerned you might have high cholesterol, diabetes or pre-diabetes, it’s time to get tested and find out for sure. Dangerous complications can arise from having these conditions, including a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Make 2017 the year you take control of your heart health, starting with a Diabetes Lab Test and Cholesterol Lab Test.

Get started on your 2017 New Year’s resolution to be healthier by getting some much needed answers to your nagging health questions. Once you better understand your health today, you can start taking steps towards achieving better health this year. Talk to the experts at Any Lab Test Now to learn what testing options are right for you, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS out there. Many of them stem from the sensitive nature of these diseases. In truth, many still consider it taboo to talk about them. But one in eight people who have HIV aren’t aware that they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That represents approximately 12.8 percent of the population who have not been diagnosed.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections. Over time, HIV progresses and destroys more and more of the body’s immune system. While there is no cure at the moment, treatment exists that can suppress the virus and give those who are living with the disease a long and healthy life.

While HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, it can be spread many ways. The four most common ways HIV is transmitted are sexual contact, intravenous drug use, mother-to-child (perinatal) and blood transfusions. However, some people are at higher risk than others. African-Americans are diagnosed with HIV more than any other race. But male-to-male sexual contact remains the highest risk factor for contracting HIV.

Symptoms of HIV tend to mirror that of the flu. The possible symptoms of HIV are:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue

It’s important to note that many who contract HIV do not show symptoms for a long time. In fact, it’s possible to have the disease for 10 years without any symptoms. Therefore, regular testing is the only way to make sure you don’t have HIV.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS is the stage of HIV where the immune systems has become badly damaged, and you are vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Essentially, AIDS is an advanced form of HIV. Not everyone who has HIV advances to this stage, and you cannot contract AIDS without getting HIV first.

The possible symptoms and complications from AIDS are much more severe and include the following:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Recurring fever or night sweats
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
  • Sores of the mouth, anus or genitals
  • Pneumonia
  • Memory loss, depression and other neurologic disorders

An HIV diagnosis does not guarantee you will progress to AIDS. Certain medications can lower the level of HIV in your body and keep you strong. That will reduce the likelihood that your condition will progress to AIDS, and it can help lower the risk of you transmitting HIV to others. That’s why it’s so important to know if you have this disease.

The only way to know if you have HIV for sure is to get tested!
If you have had unprotected sex, have an existing sexually transmitted disease or share needles, you should be tested for HIV. At Any Lab Test Now, we can help you get the confidential testing you need to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.