STIs (sexually-transmitted infections) can have serious consequences for sexual health. Yet few people think to be tested for STIs. They assume they’re safe because they feel fine. Unfortunately, STIs often occur without any symptoms at all. That’s why everyone who is sexually active, especially with multiple partners, needs to get STI testing. The sooner an STI is caught, the greater the chances of preventing serious consequences.
What are the Potential Consequences of an Untreated STI?
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID),
“Infection with certain STIs can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer and can increase the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting HIV. In addition, STIs can cause long-term health complications, especially in the reproductive and central nervous systems. In rare cases, STIs can lead to serious illness or death.”
One of the most serious consequences of common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This disease can damage a woman’s uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, which may result in ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening pregnancy located outside the uterus) or even infertility. (You can learn more about this disease here.)
Babies are vulnerable to STIs, too. The National Institute of Health reports that pregnant women can transmit some STIs to the “fetus, newborn, or infant through the placenta (congenital infection), during passage through the birth canal (perinatal infection), or after birth through breast-feeding or close direct contact. Active sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy may result in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm delivery.”
What are the Risk Factors for STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, transmitted through person-to-person sexual contact. Each year, in the United States alone, STIs affect millions of people (including both adults and infants).
The more sex partners a person has, the greater their risk of being infected. Some estimates indicate that 1 in 5 Americans are currently infected with at least one STI. This means that it is very likely that one of several sexual partners is actively infected and able to spread their STI to someone else.
Barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms) provide only partial protection against the pathogens that cause STIs, especially if the barriers break or are used incorrectly. Oral contraceptives, implants, and intrauterine devices provide no protection at all.
Broken skin gives pathogens easy access to a person’s bloodstream. For this reason, unhealed sores caused by one STI can increase a person’s risk for other diseases as well, including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). In addition, some STIs impact body chemistry, making the infected person more vulnerable to getting another, more serious infection.
When Should a Person Get Tested?
Testing once a year is recommended for people who have been (or are presently) sexually active. For those who have multiple partners or engage in higher-risk sexual activities, more frequent STI testing is encouraged.
Engaging in sex with a new partner is another occasion for STI testing—preferably before sexual contact occurs, as a safeguard for that partner.
If one partner in a sexually active couple tests positive, the other partner should be tested right away, so they can be treated if infected too.
Where to Get Free STI Testing in Redwood Falls or Marshall
People who live in or near Redwood Falls and Marshall, Minnesota, can make an appointment with the medical staff at Choices Pregnancy Center for STI testing at no cost. The center’s two locations offer free testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia—the two most common STIs today. Both men and women are welcome as patients. Booking an appointment is easy, here.
How is the STI Testing Done?
Choices Pregnancy Center’s nurse conducts the tests using a simple urine sample, making the process both easy and non-invasive. The medical director, a licensed physician practicing at an area hospital, diagnoses the results and, if needed, prescribe treatment. Patients can expect to receive their results from us within 1-3 business days.
All testing is performed confidentially, and patient privacy is protected according to all applicable state and federal laws.
If patients have questions related to STIs, they are welcome to discuss these with the nurse in order to further ensure their sexual health.
What Else Can be Done to Prevent STIs and Their Consequences?
The most effective way to prevent STIs is to avoid infection by abstaining from sexual intimacy. Second, limiting the number of sexual partners to one healthy individual can prevent infection.
Preventing the consequences once an infection has occurred is best done by having regular STI testing and treatment when needed with prescribed medications.
Choices Pregnancy Center in Redwood Falls and Marshall, Minnesota, is happy to work with you in preserving and protecting your sexual health. Contact us today to schedule your STI testing appointment.