Most people naturally assume if they had a sexually transmitted disease or infection, they would know. Unfortunately, they would be wrong. The truth is you could have an STD or STI and have no symptoms at all. That doesn’t mean it isn’t serious, though.
Here are 5 reasons why you should never put off getting tested for STDs or STIs.
#1 Early Detection is Better for Treatment
The thought that you might have a sexually transmitted disease is frightening. You may think you can put off getting tested because you do not experience symptoms right away. The good news is some STDs can be easily treated if caught early enough. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be cured with the right medicine. It can be as simple as a single dose of antibiotics. However, other STDs cannot be cured, but they can be managed with medications. Remember, when you have been diagnosed, it is vital to take all of your prescribed doses of medicine to cure your infection.
#2 Some STDs Can Cause Serious Health Problems
If you do not get tested and receive treatment, your STD can lead to severe health issues down the road. For instance, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to your reproductive system, including your uterus and fallopian tubes (these tubes carry the fertilized egg from your ovaries to your uterus). Eventually, this can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can also increase your chances of getting HIV or cervical cancer.
#3 You can be infected more than one time
Regardless of whether you have been tested and treated before, it is still possible to get infected again. If you were treated but your partner was not, they can pass the STD back to you. In fact, it is common to get infected with gonorrhea and chlamydia again. You and your partner should be retested in 3 months after taking medicine to be safe. If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can pass the infection on to your baby during delivery. Getting retested is healthier for you and your baby.
#4 You Respect Yourself and Your Sexual Partner
Respecting yourself and your partner means taking care of your sexual health. By knowing you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection, you can be open and honest with your partner(s). After all, you would want them to do the same for you. Having a conversation about STDs is difficult. However, it means you can trust one another and make informed choices about sex. You cannot look at another person and tell whether they have an STD or STI. For your own protection and theirs, it is best to have an open discussion.
#5 Testing is quick, easy, and free!
At First Care Clinic, we provide STI testing and treatment for women, completely free of charge. Medical professionals at our clinic test for these common STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
Most tests are performed quickly with results in just a few minutes. Often, tests only require a swab inside of your mouth or genital area, a prick of your finger, or a urine sample.
Schedule Free STD Testing
Regular testing is essential for all sexually active women under the age of 25 and women older than 25 who have a new sexual partner or multiple partners. Don’t wait. Contact First Care Clinic today to schedule your appointment. Text or call 608-259-1605 or contact us online.