STI Testing: 5 Reasons Every Sexually Active Person Should Do It

If STIs don’t get detected and treated, they can lead to major health problems.

So if you need a good reason to go get tested, that’s reason number one.

Reason #1: Untreated STIs can have serious long-term health consequences.

Some STIs, left untreated, can ultimately cause infertility, organ damage, some types of cancer, and even death. But this danger can often be avoided, because most STIs are highly treatable when caught early. That’s why regular STI testing is vital. It can help protect you from dealing with those serious consequences.

If you have a positive STI test, a doctor can prescribe treatment and put you back on the road to health. STI testing empowers you to take action. You can stop infection from spreading—in your own body and that of your partner.

Reason #2: One STI can lead to another.

One danger of ignoring an STI is that one infection can increase your risk of getting another infection, such as HIV. The experts at Mayo Clinic report, “an STI can stimulate an immune response in the genital area or cause sores, either of which might raise the risk of HIV transmission.”

Many people mistakenly think using birth control—especially barriers like condoms—can prevent both pregnancy and STIs. But that’s always a gamble. The CDC estimates that the various types of birth control methods fail from 2-27 percent of the time. Barriers can tear, an IUD can reach the end of its usefulness, and your body’s tissues can have tiny sores or breaks that let germs through.

In fact, the CDC now says sexually active people should use more than one contraceptive method each time they have sex. Beyond that, they also warn, “When you get right down to it, the only sure way to prevent pregnancy, HIV, and other STDs is not to have sex.”

So if you have been sexually active—even if you intend to adopt a less-risky lifestyle in the future—getting STI testing now will help you deal with one infection before it makes you vulnerable to another.

Reason #3: You can get STI testing for free.

Because STIs pose such a dangerous, widespread risk to our communities, many pregnancy centers now offer free STI testing. Choices Pregnancy Center in Redwood Falls and Marshall, MN, is providing free STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea at both of its locations.

Pregnancy centers’ medical services are offered to all patients at no charge. Generous donors in your community have covered your costs, so you can receive testing without worrying about the expense.

Reason #4: STI testing is easy.

At Choices Pregnancy Center, all STI testing requires is one appointment for a simple urine test. Your nurse will provide a brief educational video to give you the facts you need to understand STIs and the risks associated with them. During that appointment, the nurse will allow plenty of time to discuss any concerns you have about your sexual health.

Female patients will receive a free pregnancy test at that same appointment. This is because pregnancy influences the course of treatment the doctor will prescribe if an STI test is positive.

Your urine sample will be collected and sent to an outside laboratory. Within 1-3 days, the nurse will call you with your results. If your test is positive, the physician medical director of Choices Pregnancy Center will then prescribe treatment for you and call that prescription in to your pharmacy. You should begin your treatment right away.