Your sexual health is critical to your overall mental and physical health. It’s difficult to admit the possibility of having a sexually transmitted disease. Still, if you are sexually active, regular testing is necessary. For one reason, many STDs do not have immediate symptoms. Learn other reasons to take advantage of free STD testing and treatment at the Pregnancy Care Center.
1. Many STDs Have No Symptoms
Let’s face it, the thought of having an STD is embarrassing. It can cause you to be fearful and angry. But those aren’t reasons to avoid testing.
According to a government report, 75% of women infected with chlamydia (one of the most common STDs) have no symptoms. The same is true for women infected with gonorrhea. Without symptoms, women often assume they don’t have an infection and don’t need to be tested.
If you experience symptoms, the Mayo Clinic says they will appear in about one to three weeks after exposure.
For women, symptoms of chlamydia might include:
- Painful urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
Symptoms of gonorrhea can include:
- Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the vagina
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
- Painful bowel movements
- Anal itching
If chlamydia and gonorrhea are left untreated, the disease can spread to the uterus and cause a severe condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs. This is a significant cause of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
2. You Are In One of the Groups That is Most Affected
You are the only one who can take charge of your sexual health. Although you may have regular checkups with your healthcare provider, they do not automatically test for STDs. It’s essential to ask despite your embarrassment or fear.
Those groups who are significantly affected by STDs and their outcomes include the following:
- People age 25 or younger and are sexually active
- People older than 25 with new or multiple sex partners
- Those who do not practice safe sex
- You are having sex with someone who might be having sex with others
- You are pregnant. Pregnant women with chlamydia can have early births or babies with eye and lung infections. It is possible to pass it to your baby during childbirth.
Testing is Easy and Free
We understand the difficulty in asking for STD testing. That’s why we make testing and treatment for two of the most common STDs, chlamydia and gonorrhea, free and confidential.
An easy urine test is all you need to take. If positive, we can treat you with antibiotics. Don’t miss this critical step in your sexual health. Reach out to take advantage of our free and confidential testing and treatment.