Do I have an STD?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can seriously threaten your current and future sexual health.
If you are sexually active, you are at risk of contracting an STD, even if you only have one partner.
Schedule a Free STD Test
North Care Women’s Clinic provides free testing and treatment for the following STIs/STDs:
- Chlamydia (for both men & women)
- Gonorrhea (for both men & women through a urine test & oral swabs)
- Trichomoniasis (for women)
- Bacterial vaginosis (for women)
Contact us to schedule your free appointment. A nurse will do a health assessment to determine which tests to offer.
Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you are pregnant, it is essential to know if you have an STD. According to the CDC, STDs can complicate pregnancy, seriously affecting both the mother and baby.
We suggest you do the following if you are pregnant:
- Get tested for STDs immediately
- Discuss with your medical provider what types of treatment are available
- Be open about your symptoms.
- If you are considering abortion, it is vital to get tested for STDs beforehand. Women with an untreated STD at the time of a surgical abortion are at risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Women with STDs can infect their babies either before or during the baby’s birth. The sooner a woman begins receiving care for STDs during pregnancy, the better the health outcomes for herself and her baby.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Their Symptoms
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common bacterial STD. Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to a female’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant. It can be contracted through any oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact and can be passed onto a baby during childbirth.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms may include abnormal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Chlamydia can be detected by a urine test and treated by prescribed medication.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another bacterial STD that causes infection. It can be contracted through any oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact and can be passed onto a baby during childbirth.
Symptoms and Treatment
Like Chlamydia, symptoms may include abnormal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Gonorrhea can be detected by a urine test or oral swabbed and treated by prescribed medication.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common STD caused by the infection of a parasite. Generally contracted through genital contact, it can cause low birth weight or preterm delivery in pregnant women.
Symptoms and Treatments
Symptoms may include itching, burning during urination, and abnormal discharge.
Trichomoniasis can be treated with an antibiotic. If left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal condition. It is not technically an STD, but can increase your risk of getting one. It is an overgrowth of a certain type of harmful bacteria which causes an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria environment. It is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15-44.
Symptoms and Treatments
Symptoms of BV include pain, itching, burning or discharge inside or outside of the vagina. BV is treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated it can lead to an increased risk of getting other STDs.
Call Us to Schedule an Appointment
Testing for STDs and STIs is the best way to detect infections early. If you can detect an STD early, you can greatly reduce the risk that it will cause permanent harm to your reproductive health.
If you are experiencing any questionable symptoms, give us a call at 215-798-3110 to speak to a professional who can answer your questions.
All information is referenced from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
