When you make the decision to become sexually active, certain consequences come with the choice. One of them is the possibility of becoming pregnant. The other is the chance you may contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
STDs, also sometimes called Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs), pose serious health risks to both men and women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of men and women with an STD continues to rise. For women who are pregnant, having an STD can be harmful to the baby’s development. Moms who are infected can transmit the disease to the baby in utero. Other risks include:
STDs can affect the development of a baby’s eyes, lungs, and liver, causing irreversible damage. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it is important to get tested for STDs.
STDs are spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Even if you are using condoms, some STDs are spread through close contact with the skin and you can still contract them. Genital herpes and syphilis are both examples of highly-contagious STDs, even when using protection.
Other STIs, like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Gonorrhea, are spread by contact with bodily fluids during sexual intercourse.
There are several types of STDs. Some of the most common STDs in the U.S. include:
Women are more likely than men to suffer from long-term health consequences from STDs. Both sexually active men and women should consider testing, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or are involved in unsafe sexual behaviors.
The type of STD test you get depends on the STI. Testing can require a urine sample, a swab of the vaginal or anal area, a blood test, or a physical exam. For instance, HPV is detected during a routine gynecological exam that involves a visual inspection and swabbing the area for a pap smear.
If you are diagnosed with an STD, treatment options are available. Many STDs are curable when caught early. Some STDs require treatment with antibiotics. STIs caused by viruses (like HIV/AIDS) can be managed with medications, but not cured.
When you are sexually active, STDs are a fact of life. Even if it has been a while since you were last sexually active, if you have ever had unprotected sex, you should be tested for STDs. Many people with STDs are unaware they are infected because they have no symptoms or confuse their symptoms with something else. Here are the top 5 reasons to get free STD testing today.
Care Net Pregnancy Centers offer free STD testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea at locations in and around Albuquerque. Making an STD testing appointment with us is easy and confidential. Call 505-880-0882 to schedule an appointment for testing at our Albuquerque location or visit our Contact us page for additional locations. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 2 to 7 days after your testing. At the second consultation, we will provide your testing results and discuss options for treatment if you test positive for any STDs. Same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcome.
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