By getting tested regularly for STDs, you can preserve your sexual health, prevent long-term complications, and gain a better awareness of safe practices.
Women’s Care Center wants you to stay informed and know where your sexual health stands. Schedule a complimentary appointment for STD testing and treatment today.
Understanding STDs
If you’re sexually active, you should get tested regularly for STDs. Without testing, you won’t know whether you’ve been affected, especially if you’re asymptomatic.
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are spread mainly through sexual contact or bodily fluids like semen. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Symptoms of STDs can vary, or you may have none at all. They include:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful or burning urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes (can be in the groin or elsewhere)
Pregnancy does not protect you against contracting an STD. And if left untreated, an STD can affect your pregnancy and cause serious health complications.
Getting Tested Matters
Getting tested isn’t a shameful thing to do. In fact, it’s a wise choice that can protect your health.
When you get tested for STDs, you can identify whether you have one and what treatment option is best. By receiving treatment, you can avoid complications like:
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers (like HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers)
Receiving STD testing allows you to ask questions about your sexual health and receive important information about prevention techniques.
The best way to avoid STDs is by not engaging in sexual activity. Still, other practices, like abstaining from illegal drug use and excessive alcohol consumption and staying in a long-term relationship with one partner, can also lessen your risk.
We’ll Help You Get Answers
Women’s Care Center provides complimentary STD testing and treatment services. These tests can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
Make an appointment today to learn how we can help you take charge of your sexual health.