STD/STI Screening
STDs are a significant health challenge facing the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year in this country and half of those are among young people ages 15–24. In addition to increasing a person’s risk for HIV infection, STDs can lead to severe reproductive health complications, such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the two most commonly reported STDs in the U.S.
Chlamydia
Most people who have chlamydia don’t know it since the disease often has no symptoms. It is the single most commonly reported STD in the United States. Sexually active females 25 years old and younger need to be tested for it each year. Although Chlamydia is easy to cure, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant if left untreated.
Gonorrhea
Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. It can be cured with the right medication, and if left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems in both women and men.
What’s the big deal?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two preventable causes of infertility. Untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms.
How do I know if I should be tested?
CDC recommends annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active females 25 and under and for women older than 25 with risk factors such as a new sex partner or multiple partners.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Your limited STD/STI screening will require two appointments:
First Visit
You will meet with a Licensed Registered Nurse who will take your sexual history information, discuss your STD/STI risk, explain procedures and answer any questions or concerns you might have. This is when you will provide a urine sample. The sample will be sent out to a lab for testing.
Second Visit
A week later, you will return to our office for your results. You will meet with our Licensed Registered Nurse to go over all your test results and answer any questions you might have. If you have a positive test result, we can provide treatment on site at that time. We have the capacity to test and treat for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
At Options for Women, you can be tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in a completely confidential environment at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment today to protect your current and future health.