Could You Have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
According to the CDC, more than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the United States in 2022. Anyone who has sex could get an STI. Young people aged 15 to 24 and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
Left untreated, STIs increase your risk of giving or getting HIV. You also have the possibility of developing long-term pelvic or abdominal pain or problems getting pregnant in the future.
What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
The Mayo Clinic says STIs are infections spread mainly by contact with genitals or bodily fluids. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them. Some STIs have no symptoms, but even without symptoms, you can spread the infection to a partner.
Testing is the only way to be confident you do not have an STI.
What Does Pregnancy Resources Provide?
You can receive free and confidential limited STI testing and treatment. Your partner can also be treated.
The following are the STIs we test for. They are all caused by bacteria.
Chlamydia
It generally has few to no symptoms but is one of the most common STIs. Some symptoms you may experience are:
- Painful urination
- Pain in your stomach
- Lower back pain
- Fever
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal pain during sex
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another very common STI. Symptoms are generally mild and may include the following:
- Thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
- Pain in your stomach
- Anal itching
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Unprotected sex and douching raise your risk of developing BV. Many people have no symptoms, but the following are ones you may experience:
- Thin, vaginal discharge that may be gray, white, or green
- Foul-smelling, “fishy” vaginal odor
- Vaginal itching
- Burning during urination
What Is the Treatment?
You must treat these infections immediately to avoid further complications. Each is effectively treated with antibiotics.
Most healthcare providers do not include STI testing as part of a regular exam. We make it a priority.
