STD Tests Available at Ogden Clinic

A 2023 study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and showed that Utah has had the second-highest jump in sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs/STIs) since 2000. Utah had a 291% increase in cases per 100,000 residents, second only to North Dakota, which increased by 369%.

Sexually-transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all curable, yet many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to bigger problems like infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth in infants, and increased HIV risk.

This STI Awareness Week, Ogden Clinic and the CDC are asking sexually-active individuals to take three actions to protect themselves and their partners from STDs: Talk, Test, and Treat.

STD / STI Tests Available at Ogden Clinic

Ogden Clinic offers testing and treatment for the most common STDs affecting men and women. Tests are available at our Family Medicine and Urgent Care locations.

• Chlamydia/ Gonorrhoeae (Swab and urine testing)
• Vaginosis/ Vaginitis panel tests for Trichomoniasis*
• Treponema Pallidum Antibody tests for Syphilis (Blood testing)
• Herpes Simplex Type 1 IgG and Type 2 IgG for Genital Herpes (Blood testing)

*At Ogden Clinic, this test is performed via swab testing, but it may also be diagnosed via urine microscopic exam.

The Risk of Common STDs

Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later. Because chlamydia presents no symptoms, testing is crucial.

Gonorrhea can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very common infection, especially among people between age 15-24. In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which could affect fertility. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles. In rare cases, this may cause a man to be sterile.

Most women and men infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms. Annual testing is recommended for sexually active people (women in particular) under age 25.

Vaginosis/ Vaginitis Panel for Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) it is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD). In the US, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection but only about 30% develop symptoms.

Trich is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell that they are infected.

Syphilis can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. Syphilis is divided into three different signs with various symptoms associated with each stage.

Talk, Test, Treat

• Talk openly with partner(s) and healthcare providers about sex and STDs.
• Get tested. Because many STDs have no symptoms, getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an infection.
• If you test positive for an STD, work with your healthcare provider to get the correct treatment. Some STDs can be cured with the right medication. Those that aren’t curable can still be treated.

Need to schedule a visit? STI/STD treatment can be done at any of our family medicine clinics, both by appointment or by walking into same-day urgent care.