ContinuEM clinician talking privately with a patient about STI testing in Lakewood

Confidential STI Testing in Lakewood

Need an answer after a possible exposure, new symptoms, or a new partner? ContinuEM offers discreet STD/STI testing in Lakewood with walk-in access, clinician guidance, and a treatment plan when appropriate.

What Can We Test For?

The right test depends on your symptoms, sexual history, and the parts of the body that may have been exposed. Samples may include urine, blood, or a swab.

Concern How testing may be done What happens next
Chlamydia & gonorrhea Urine and/or swab depending on exposure We review results and treat if positive
HIV Blood-based testing; timing matters after exposure See our HIV Testing page for window-period guidance
Syphilis and other infections Blood or other testing when indicated Your clinician explains the right panel for you
Vaginal symptoms / possible BV Exam and testing based on symptoms Same-visit evaluation; treatment when clinically appropriate

You do not need to know which test to order before you arrive. Tell us what happened and what you are worried about; we will recommend the right testing approach.

When Should You Get Tested?

Consider STI testing if:

  • You had sex without a condom or barrier and are concerned about exposure
  • A partner told you they tested positive for an STI
  • You have burning with urination, unusual discharge, sores, pelvic discomfort, or testicular symptoms
  • You have a new partner or multiple partners and want routine screening
  • You have no symptoms but want peace of mind — many STIs can be present without obvious symptoms

Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours? Do not wait for a routine test alone. HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is time-sensitive; seek medical evaluation right away.

Patient considering whether to get STI testing at ContinuEM in Lakewood

What to Expect at Your Visit

  1. Private conversation. We ask about symptoms, timing, and exposure without judgment.

  2. The right sample. Depending on the concern, that may be urine, blood, or a swab.

  3. Results and next steps. Turnaround varies by test; we tell you what to expect before you leave.

  4. Treatment when appropriate. If treatment is indicated, our clinician can prescribe or coordinate the next step and explain partner/follow-up recommendations.

A pelvic exam is not automatically required for STI testing. If you have pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or vaginal symptoms, an exam may help us evaluate other causes. See OB-GYN Urgent Care.

If Your Test Is Positive

A positive result is treatable information, not a dead end. For infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, appropriate antibiotics can cure the infection. We will explain treatment, when to avoid sexual contact, partner notification, and when repeat testing is recommended.

If a result requires specialist follow-up or a service we do not provide, we will tell you clearly and help you understand the next step.

ContinuEM clinician explaining STI test results and treatment to a patient

Testing Without the Judgment

STI testing is common medical care. Our job is to get you an accurate answer and a clear next step — not a lecture.

Walk-ins welcome

Extended weekday and weekend hours

On-site clinicians to interpret results

Testing selected around your actual exposure and symptoms

Treatment planning in the same practice

Self-pay options available if you prefer not to use insurance

ContinuEM clinician preparing a confidential STI test

FAQ

STI Testing FAQs

Yes. Many sexually transmitted infections do not cause obvious symptoms, so screening can be appropriate after an exposure or based on your sexual history. A clinician can help decide which tests make sense.

It depends on the infection and the test. Testing too early can miss an infection that is still within its window period. Tell us when the exposure happened so we can recommend testing now, later, or both.

Your medical visit and records are handled privately. If you use health insurance, we may send an explanation of benefits or other plan communication to the policyholder. Ask us about self-pay if privacy around insurance communications matters to you.

Not necessarily. In some cases, STI testing can often be done with urine or swab samples. A pelvic exam may be recommended when symptoms such as pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or discharge need a broader evaluation.

Yes, urgent care clinicians can prescribe treatment when a diagnosis is confirmed or when treatment is otherwise clinically appropriate. The exact medication depends on the infection, allergies, pregnancy status, and current treatment guidance.

Not automatically. HIV testing is a separate blood-based test, and timing after an exposure matters. Please let your clinician know if you would like to test for it.

Cost depends on the tests ordered and your insurance benefits. ContinuEM accepts most in-network and out-of-network insurance and offers self-pay options. Ask us for an estimate before testing if cost is a concern.

Related Care at ContinuEM

  • HIV Testing: dedicated exposure-timing and HIV test guidance
  • OB-GYN Urgent Care: vaginal symptoms, BV, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and symptom-based pelvic exams
  • Lab Testing: same-visit and send-out diagnostic testing
  • UTI Care: burning, urinary frequency, and bladder symptoms that can overlap with STI symptoms
ContinuEM care team in Lakewood

COVERAGE

We’ve Got You Covered

Most in-network and out-of-network insurance accepted. You pay a $99 upfront service fee; the rest is billed to your insurance.

*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.

  • Aetna
  • Alignment Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Brand New Day
  • CareMore Health
  • Cigna
  • Health Net
  • ILWU Local 13
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Medicare Advantage
  • Medicare
  • Optum
  • SCAN Health Plan
  • United Healthcare
Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Medically reviewed by

Giancarlo DiMassa, MD

Written by

ContinuEM Editorial Team

Last updated

August 27, 2026

ContinuEM Urgent Care is dedicated to delivering exceptional, convenient healthcare to the Lakewood community and its surrounding areas. Our board-certified providers deliver expert care with compassion, transparency, and respect for your time.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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