If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and seeking an abortion, the thought of receiving STD testing can seem extra overwhelming; however, it’s a necessary step in making an informed choice for your pregnancy.
For sexually active individuals, the chance of infection is significant — According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are 20 million new cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) per year.
STDs/STIs can have significant impacts on your health, especially if you’re pregnant and considering abortion. North Care Women’s Clinic is here to help you understand the importance of routine testing and how it may impact your pregnancy options.
Why you need an STD test before an abortion
As we mentioned above, STDs are surprisingly common among sexually active populations and testing should be considered a routine part of your healthcare.
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, testing is a vital step in your pre-abortion care.
Perhaps you don’t have any symptoms of a disease or infection — you’re likely wondering, “Why would I need STD testing?” Unfortunately, you may be infected without experiencing any symptoms, meaning you could be unknowingly spreading STDs to your partner(s) and leaving a dangerous health condition untreated.
According to Mayo Clinic, untreated STDs/STIs can come with severe risks, such as damage to internal organs, cancer, fertility issues, and other fatal diseases.
Pregnant women who are considering abortion should prioritize STD testing and treatment prior to an abortion procedure in order to avoid spreading the infection to other reproductive organs or facing fertility issues in the future.
What to do if you think you are pregnant and infected with an STD
If you’re pregnant and unsure of whether or not you have an STD/STI, the first step is to receive testing through your local pregnancy clinic. At North Care Women’s Clinic, we provide no-cost testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, the 2 most common bacterial STD’s as well as referrals for further testing and treatment.
Once you receive your results, we will discuss next steps with you regarding your treatment plan and pregnancy options.
In addition to free STD testing, North Care Women’s Clinic provides free pregnancy confirmation through pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan, professional options counseling, educational resources, and more!
Schedule your free appointment today!
