Pruebas de ETS: Por qué son vitales para su salud

When should I get an STD test?

If you have had a new sexual partner in the last year, if you think you may be pregnant, or if you are considering an abortion, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases is an essential next step in maintaining your own health. 

Are STDs even a big deal?

Yes, STDs are a big deal! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STD, and roughly half of those diagnosed were ages 15 to 24 years old. Subtle signs of sexually transmitted diseases can easily be missed and could cause long-term consequences for your overall wellness. Furthermore, recent Wisconsin data shows a concerning rise in several major sexually transmitted diseases. Reported cases of gonorrhea increased substantially from 4,047 to 7,005, while chlamydia—already the most common STD—rose from 22,837 to 24,992. Most striking is the surge in syphilis, which jumped from 284 to 1,794 cases. These upward trends highlight the growing need for regular testing to keep yourself safe and stop the spread of STDs.

Why is getting tested important? 

If you have had one or more sexual partners in your lifetime, your risk for developing a STD is increased. Vaginal, anal, or oral sex can spread sexually transmitted diseases due to exposure to bodily fluids. STDs may not cause any symptoms, but these diseases can cause chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or other long term problems like hepatitis (an infection that is treatable involving the liver). Treatment for STDs varies by the type of infection. Common STDs including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, as well as syphilis and the viruses that cause genital warts. 

What are the risks of not getting tested?

Not getting STD testing can translate into long-term medical problems. Gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs in the world. Left untreated, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea infection can spread to the reproductive organs including the fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix to cause infertility or long-term pelvic pain. 

Do I have an increased risks if  I have had multiple sexual partners?

Risks to get an STI are increased if you have a history of multiple sexual partners. Risks for cervical cancer, mouth cancer, and liver cancer can increase due to potential hepatitis exposure. Use of condoms may help to prevent a pregnancy, but there is still bodily fluid exchange with more than one partner that can boost the risk for contracting HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or a host of other STDs.

Why should I get an STD test before an abortion?

STD testing before an abortion is a critical step in ensuring that you are healthy and ready to undergo any type of medical procedure. If you have an untreated STD and you undergo a medical abortion procedure, there is a risk for spread of the infection to other organs due to opening of the cervix to expel pregnancy. Infection could then potentially cause serious illness if left untreated until significant illness develops.

How do they test for STDs?

Testing for STDs can involve a simple urine, blood, and/or vaginal swab test. Blood testing can help identify the presence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Vaginal swabs and urine testing can help determine if gonorrhea or chlamydia (the two most common STDs) are present. 

Talking with a medical professional can help you determine which testing factors are best for your individual situation.

Where can I get tested for STDs near me?

Testing for sexually transmitted diseases is free, confidential, and the only way to protect your short- and long-term health from major complications. If you are or think you might be pregnant and you are considering options and next steps, STI testing by a licensed medical professional can help identify the presence of any infection and expedite treatment. Antibiotics and referrals to health specialists can be arranged if needed. Ancla de esperanza offers free testing and treatment for STDs in a confidential and supportive environment. Our clinical staff is trained to help answer your questions and help pinpoint risk factors for specific STDs. Our services are available at no cost and our clinical team is skilled in caring for your needs in a judgement-free zone.