27 Apr 3 Reasons to Take Advantage of Free STD Testing
What’s the point of getting tested for STDs if you don’t feel anything is wrong?
There are actually several reasons you consider getting tested–even if you don’t think you have a sexually transmitted disease.
1. You May Not Have Any Symptoms.
Some sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, so you may not know if you have one until you get tested.
Sometimes STDs do have signs, and Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms of an STD can include:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
Whether you have the above symptoms or not, if you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested so you know for certain.
2. STDs Are Contagious.
If you’re sexually active, you have a risk of contracting an STD. And if you have one, you could potentially spread it to your partner.
STDs can be transmitted to others. According to Mayo Clinic,
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.
3. Treatment for STDs Can Potentially Prevent Future Health Problems.
STDs that are caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
If you have gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, or chlamydia, you should get treated– even if you don’t have any symptoms.
According to the CDC, untreated infection can lead to severe and permanent health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Untreated, these STDs can also increase your risk of getting more STDs like HIV. While HIV is a virus that can’t be cured, treatments can prevent it from progressing into a serious disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Bonus Reason: It’s No-Cost
It costs you nothing to get tested for STDs at Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, so what do you have to lose? It never hurts just to be sure.
We offer no-cost STD testing for both women and men at our center. Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment.