Where can you get STI testing in Conway, SC? Urgent Care & Family Medicine offers confidential STI testing at our clinic on Singleton Ridge Road. Our providers can test for common infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis, treat many infections when results come back positive, and answer your questions without judgment. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can call ahead if you would like to talk through which tests make sense for you.
Need STI testing in Conway? Get private, respectful care. Call us or stop in during open hours.
Who Should Get Tested for STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections are common, and many cause no symptoms at all. That is why testing matters even when you feel fine. You should consider testing if:
- You have a new sexual partner or more than one partner
- A partner has tested positive for an STI or has symptoms
- You had sex without a condom or a condom broke
- You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- You have never been tested, or it has been a while
- You simply want peace of mind before starting a new relationship
National health guidelines recommend routine screening for many people. For example, sexually active women under 25 are generally advised to be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year, and everyone between 15 and 65 is advised to be tested for HIV at least once. Your provider can help you decide what fits your situation.
What Are Common STI Symptoms?
When STIs do cause symptoms, they may include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during sex
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Swollen glands, fever, or a rash on the body, including the palms or soles
Some of these symptoms overlap with other conditions. Burning with urination, for example, can also be a urinary tract infection. Learn more in our post on whether urgent care can treat a UTI. Testing is the only way to know for sure.
Having symptoms or just want to know? We can test you today. Call 843-347-2121 or walk in.
What Does STI Testing Involve?
STI testing is usually quick and simple. Depending on which infections you are being tested for, your provider may use:
- A urine sample: commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- A blood draw: used for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C
- A swab: of the vagina, cervix, throat, rectum, or a sore, depending on your symptoms and history
Our on-site lab allows us to collect samples during your visit. Some results are available quickly, while others are sent out and may take a few days. Your provider will tell you how and when you will get your results.
When Should You Get Tested After Exposure?
Every infection has a window period, which is the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect it. Testing too early can give a false negative. As a general guide:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea can often be detected about one to two weeks after exposure
- Syphilis may take several weeks to show up on a blood test
- HIV testing windows depend on the type of test, and repeat testing may be recommended
- Hepatitis B and C may take several weeks to months
If you have symptoms, do not wait. Come in and get evaluated. If you think you were exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, go to an emergency room right away to ask about post-exposure medicine, which works best when started as soon as possible.
How Are STIs Treated?
Many STIs are very treatable. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can be cured with the right antibiotics or medicine. Herpes and HIV cannot be cured, but they can be managed well with medication, and people with them live full, healthy lives. Hepatitis B and C have effective treatment options as well.
If you test positive, your provider will explain your treatment, how long to wait before having sex again, and whether you should be retested. It is also important for your recent partners to be tested and treated, so the infection does not pass back and forth.
Is STI Testing Confidential?
Yes. Your visit, test results, and medical records are protected under federal privacy laws. Our team treats every patient with respect and discretion. We understand that talking about sexual health can feel awkward, and our providers are here to help, not to judge. If you have questions about how billing will appear on insurance statements, ask our front desk when you call.
How Can You Lower Your Risk of STIs?
A few habits go a long way:
- Use condoms correctly every time
- Get tested regularly, and ask partners to get tested too
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Talk openly with partners about testing and history
- Ask your provider about vaccines, such as the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines
- Ask about medicine that can lower HIV risk if you are at higher risk
Does Insurance Cover STI Testing?
Many insurance plans cover STI screening, especially when it is recommended by national guidelines. We accept most major insurance and offer clear self-pay rates if you prefer not to use insurance or do not have coverage. Call our office and our staff can help you understand what to expect. You can also read more about urgent care costs.
Why Choose Urgent Care & Family Medicine in Conway?
Our clinic at 235 Singleton Ridge Road is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. With walk-in availability, on-site lab collection, and providers who can treat many infections the same day, you can get answers without a long wait. For ongoing care, our family medicine team can also handle routine screenings as part of your yearly checkup.
What Happens If an STI Goes Untreated?
Leaving an STI untreated can lead to problems that are much harder to fix than the original infection. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes in women, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, long-term pelvic pain, and trouble getting pregnant. In men, these infections can cause painful swelling near the testicles. Untreated syphilis can progress over years and affect the heart, brain, and nerves. Some STIs can also pass to a baby during pregnancy or birth. Having one STI can make it easier to catch or spread HIV. The good news is that early testing and treatment prevent most of these complications.
How Do You Tell a Partner?
Telling a partner about a positive result can feel uncomfortable, but it protects their health and yours. Keep it simple and factual: let them know you tested positive, which infection it was, and that they should get tested and treated too. Many people find it easier to talk in person or by phone, while others prefer a text. Your provider can explain how to share the news and what your partner should tell their own provider. Remember that STIs are common, and having one does not say anything about your character.
What Should You Bring to Your Visit?
Bring your photo ID, your insurance card if you plan to use it, and a list of current medicines and allergies. It also helps to know the date of your last possible exposure and when your symptoms started. If you can, avoid urinating for at least an hour before your visit, since some urine tests are more accurate with a first-catch sample. For more tips, see what to bring to a walk-in visit.
Take care of your health with confidence. Call our Conway clinic or request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get STI testing at urgent care?
Yes. Our Conway clinic offers testing for common STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis. Your provider will help you choose the right tests.
How long do STI test results take?
It depends on the test. Some results come back quickly, while others are sent to a lab and may take a few days. Your provider will let you know when and how you will receive them.
Do I need symptoms to get tested?
No. Many STIs cause no symptoms, so routine testing is recommended for many sexually active people, especially with a new partner.
Is STI testing at your clinic confidential?
Yes. Your visit and results are private and protected by federal privacy laws. Our team treats every patient with respect.
Can you treat an STI the same day?
Often, yes. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, your provider may start treatment during your visit. In other cases, treatment begins once results are back.