STDs and STIs don’t usually have immediate symptoms so by the time you notice signs, it may be too late to cure. Regular testing is essential if you’re sexually active. Aim Women’s Center offers no-cost testing and treatment.
No-cost STD/STI testing
All women should be tested for STD/STIs. Being regularly tested and treated is best for your long-term reproductive health. If left untreated, STD/STIs can lead to serious health problems. If you have a positive pregnancy test at our center and are considering abortion, our nurse can provide limited STD/STI testing for you.
Who should be tested
According to the Mayo Clinic, everyone who is sexually active, particularly with a new partner should be tested (screened) for a sexually transmitted disease. They specifically mention getting screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
Even if you or your partner do not have outward signs, you both could be spreading the disease and infecting others.
Pregnant women
It’s recommended that all pregnant women be screened for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis. The two most common STD/STIs are gonorrhea and chlamydia. If caught early enough, they can both be easily treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This disease can lead to infertility.
Women under 25
Experts recommend that all sexually active women under age 25 be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea infection regularly. You can catch chlamydia multiple times and reinfection is common.
People who have a new partner
STD/STIs are transmitted vaginally, anally, and orally. It’s essential any time you have a new partner that you are both tested for STD/STIs.
What if you have an STD/STI
If you test positive for an STD/STI, your next step is getting the proper treatment. It’s also important to notify the partners you’ve had over the last three months. Some infections are easily transmitted back and forth.
STD/STIs can also bring out a lot of emotion. You may feel shame, anger, or frustration. Be sure to deal with the emotional aspect as well as the physical. At Aim Women’s Center, you can receive no-cost testing and treatment for common STD/STIs. Schedule your appointment today.