Are you concerned about possibly having an STI? You could be at risk whenever you have sex. Oftentimes, people don’t know they have an STI because they have no visible symptoms. Without proper treatment, however, an STI can lead to serious health problems and spread to each sexual partner.
What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are more common than you may know. Almost half of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old.
Exposure to an STI can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Getting an STI is more common if you have more than one sex partner.
Many STIs can be treated and cured if caught at the right time. If an STI is left untreated, it can cause serious health issues like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), eye inflammation, arthritis, heart disease, and even infertility. It’s vital to get tested for STIs/STDs at least once a year and frequently if you have multiple sexual partners.
How STIs Can Affect Pregnancy
You can pass certain STIs to a child during pregnancy, delivery, or while breastfeeding. Some of these STIs include gonorrhea and chlamydia and may be passed from mother to child during delivery.
With STI testing and treatment, you can care for your own health, the health of your child, and the health of your partner. STI testing and treatment is essential for every person, but especially if you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion. The following complications from untreated STIs can be passed to a fetus or newborn:
- Low birth rate
- Infections
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Meningitis
- Stillbirth
Complications of STIs for Women
Since many people experience no symptoms in the early stages, screening for STIs is vital to prevent complications. The Mayo Clinic shares common symptoms, including:
- Pelvic pain
- Pregnancy complications
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers
Free STI Testing & Treatment
To be sure of where your sexual health stands, get free and confidential STI testing and treatment at our center. Every service offering of ours is completely confidential and non-judgemental.
We understand the fears around this topic, and we are here for you. You owe it to yourself to get answers.
