Why Is It Important?
Those considering abortion should ensure they do not have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If an infection is present during an abortion, it can cause health-threatening complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, to occur.
Those who are pregnant also risk passing an STI on to their child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Some infections can even cause the child to experience permanent health damage, such as brain damage, blindness, and chronic liver disease.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is one of the easiest ways you can take control of your health and ensure you are protecting your safety and your child’s safety. If you are at risk of having an STD, don’t delay. Receive free, confidential testing today and protect your wellness.
STI testing is only available at our center with a pregnancy test appointment.
What If I Do Not Have Symptoms?
Many STIs do not produce signs or symptoms. They can often go unnoticed for long periods or be mistaken for another condition.
This is cause for concern because people often believe they are not carriers but pass on infections they are unaware of.
If manifestations do occur, depending on the type of infection, present signs and symptoms can vary but may include the following:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
What If I’m Unsure If I Have Been Exposed?
Even if you are unsure if you have been exposed to an STI, you should receive reliable testing to protect your health. Some risks that increase your chances of contracting an STI are:
- Having unprotected sex including oral sex
- Having sexual contact with multiple partners
- Having a history of STIs
- Being forced to engage in sexual activity
- Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs
- Injecting drugs
- Half the new STIs occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24
Don’t Wait
Don’t wait for your health to be impacted before getting tested if you are pregnant or before having an abortion. Make a free, confidential appointment to get testing and take control of your health today.
Our STI tests are only available to patients who may be pregnant. If you are looking for STI testing and do not think you are pregnant, we would be happy to direct you to available resources in the community. Feel free to contact our team with any questions!