Your Doctor vs. the STD Free Clinic

It can be frightening worrying that you might have a sexually transmitted disease. Just the thought of seeking out STD testing and treatment can make some people want to hide under the bed. But finding STD treatment shouldn't be scary. Even if you don't feel comfortable talking about sex with your primary care doctor, you can always visit an STD free clinic. Sometimes, that can even help you avoid worried

Whether you choose to go to your doctor or an STD free clinic could depend on a number of factors including:

• If you have a regular physician
• Whether your insurance covers STD testing
• Whether you are comfortable talking to your doctor about sex
• If your doctor is comfortable dealing with sexual issues in his or her clinical practice.
• The laboratory options your physician has available for STD testing

• Working with a physician who is familiar with you.
• Easy access to your medical records. This makes it simpler to integrate STD testing and treatment with the rest of your medical care. For example, your doctor is more likely to be aware of potential medication interactions or allergies.
• Convenience.
• Worries about being stigmatized by visiting a STD free clinic.

On the other hand, with your doctor, insurance is a big factor. Depending on how comprehensive your insurance coverage is, visiting your doctor for STD treatment and testing can be quite expensive. You might have a co-pay. You might also have to pay for preventative screening. Not all insurance companies will pay for it, if you don't have symptoms. Your doctor might also not have access to some of the more convenient urine tests for certain STDs, or he might not realize they are available.

• Access to a wider range of STD testing options than are available in many private medical offices.
• Affordability
• Medical providers who specialize in STDs and are up to date on current STD treatment regimens.
• A greater probability that some form of rapid testing will be available. That allows you to be treated be treated with greater speed.
• Doctors who are comfortable dealing with sexual issues, and who will not let an STD diagnosis affect your care.

Although no doctor should ever discriminate because you have an STD, it does sometimes happen. Doctors can be just as ignorant about STDs as laypeople. They have been known to make it quite difficult for people to receive proper treatment in their offices after a highly stigmatized diagnosis. It doesn't happen often, and it is usually illegal. However, that doesn't get the patient any better care. This sort of discrimination is less likely to occur in an STD free clinic that specializes in sexual health care.

The main disadvantage of visiting an STD free clinic is usually an inconvenience. STD free clinics don't always keep the most convenient hours. They may also have very long waits. Before simply dropping in, you should always check with your local STD free clinic. That way, you can see if it is possible to make an appointment. You can also check what, if any, information you need to bring with you. It's also important to check their hours. STD free clinics often only see patients on a limited schedule.

Whether you're looking for regular, preventative STD screening, or testing and treatment because you have symptoms, both your local STD free clinic and your regular doctor can be great options. Which option is right for you will vary depending on the situation. The most important thing is that you get good care.