Sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates have increased to the highest levels in 30 years. RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics provides STI/STD testing in the Bay Area. We are taking extra precautions following CDC guidelines and recommended medical standards to protect our staff and patients. Unfortunately, some men and women who think they could possibly have a STI or STD are taking testing into their own hands with the use of STI home test kits. Catching an STI or STD early through accurate and professional testing can be key to long-term sexual health. While an STI home test kit can be used, these test kits can be a waste of time and money considering a visit to a Bay Area medical clinic is needed anyway.
Confused about the difference between an STI and an STD? No need to feel alone – lots of people are confused. The terms STI and STD can be used interchangeably. Both STIs and STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses that lead to infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Sexual contact is contact with genitals and surrounding areas, body fluids, or mucous membranes like the mouth. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis are STIs. HIV, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Hepatitis B & C are STDs.
The major difference is that STIs are curable with antibiotics whereas STDs are permanent with outbreaks of symptoms that can be treated. Anyone can get an STI or STD from someone who is unaware they have been infected. Without accurate testing, they won’t know.
STI home test kits can be purchased for $79 – $150 over the counter in a pharmacy like CVS pharmacy or ordered online to be delivered to a home or office. There are several problems with these kits. For example, the consumer will have to guess which STI (from a comprehensive list) they think they may have and order that specific kit. If a wrong test kit is ordered, the second time around will mean another fee and delay in receiving results. But, at a medical clinic, the nurse will take a medical history and administer the test that is appropriate for the patient.
Once an STI home test kit has been purchased, there may be a several day wait for the kit to arrive at the home or workplace. After reading and carefully following the directions to collect the sample alone, there is a small window of time in which to mail it back. It could take up to seven days to receive test results. If the test is positive, the test company’s medical team will contact the test taker. After all of that waiting, a visit to a medical clinic for confirmation and treatment is still needed anyway.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics provide medical testing and diagnosis, and treatment of STIs and STDs. Well Women’s health exam appointments are available for HPV and Trichomoniasis. The five Bay Area clinics offer full panel STD testing and treatment including:
RealOptions offers no to low cost, confidential, and medically accurate consultations on STD testing and treatment options. Based on the test, RealOptions may be able to provide test results within two days. If the test comes back positive for an infection or disease, RealOptions can provide both partners with treatment options.
With the increase in California’s STI/STD infection rates, don’t ignore the important step of being tested for an STI or STD. STI home test kits can be a waste of time and money – a visit to a medical clinic is needed anyway. Ready to take an STI test to learn about what may be causing symptoms or concerns? Schedule a confidential appointment online or call one of our Bay Area RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics.
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
801 Brewster Ave Unit 210
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 261-9115
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA
(408) 978-9310
12 N White Rd
San Jose, CA
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave.
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357