STD Testing and Abortion
STD Testing and Abortion
Knowing your sexually transmitted disease (STD) status before getting an abortion is important. STDs are transmitted through sexual contact – including oral, anal, vaginal sex and genital touching. Many STD’s are difficult to detect and some may not have symptoms. It is important to get screened for STD’s if you have an unexpected pregnancy, are seeking an abortion or if you have a new partner or multiple partners.
How do I know if I have an STD?
Some STD’s can be present without any symptoms and transmission can occur without the partner even knowing that they are infected. It is important to get screened with every new partner even if you are not having symptoms. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and you are sexually active, you should get tested. Some common symptoms are:
- Bumps, sores or warts on the genital area
- Pain or burning with urination
- Itching and redness or rash in the genital area
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Change in color or increase in odor, consistency or amount of vaginal discharge
What if I don’t get tested or treated?
Acquiring an STD or leaving it untreated can cause serious heath issues such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, organ damage, certain types of cancer and transmission other viruses, such as HIV.
If you think you have been exposed to an STD or have a new partner, it is important to get tested. Also, all women considering abortion should be tested for STD’s even if they are not experiencing any symptoms to ensure that there are no possible complications. The Women’s Center Illiana offers free, confidential testing and treatment for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (certain criteria apply).
