Many people who find out or suspect they have an STD can feel embarrassed. They’d rather hide the fact they have an STD and wonder if it will just go away on its own.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Depending on the type of STD, it can be cured or only treated, but either way, it’s important to know early on what you’re dealing with so you can get started on an effective treatment plan.
When should I get tested for STDs?
Whether you’re in a committed relationship or sexually active with multiple partners, it’s recommended you get tested for STDs annually.
Some STDs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, have no noticeable symptoms but can cause lasting damage if they remain undetected and untreated.
The earlier you detect an STD, the sooner you can begin treatment.
What are the health risks of untreated STDs?
In many cases, untreated STDs can have worse consequences for women than men. For example, untreated chlamydia can spread to the fallopian tubes and uterus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and potentially lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Other health risks include:
- Cervical cancer from HPV
- Heart and blood vessel damage from syphilis
- Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and premature birth; the STD can also be passed to the fetus
As you can see, untreated STDs can pose serious short-term and long-term health risks. Early detection is key to effective cures (when possible) and treatment, so you should schedule a free test today at First Care Clinic.
How can I get free STD testing?
At First Care Clinic, we offer free STD testing. This allows you to experience optimal health, especially if you’re pregnant. We can help you get a healthy start to your pregnancy with our free testing and treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment so you can pursue treatment if your results come back positive for common STDs.