Testing for sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) during pregnancy works the same way it does when you are not pregnant: a urine, blood, or swab sample will be taken and analyzed to detect the pathogen responsible for an STI.
Getting tested during pregnancy is important because you may pass an STI along to the fetus, which can have devastating consequences. For example, syphilis can pass to the fetus and become congenital syphilis, which can be life-threatening.
STI testing during pregnancy is also important because STIs can put your health at risk. At Hope Women’s Center, we offer no-cost STI testing so you can eliminate any “what-ifs” and protect your health.
What Are the Risks of Untreated STIs?
Many STIs don’t present with symptoms. This means it’s possible that you or your sexual partner(s) have an STI and don’t know it. However, even if an STI isn’t causing symptoms, it can still cause physical complications for your or your pregnancy’s health.
Complications of STIs for Women
The risks of leaving an STI untreated are many. For example, Chlamydia, one of the most common types of STIs, can cause the following complications if left untreated:
- Pain
- Arthritis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility
Complications of STIs to a Fetus
According to the World Health Organization, mother-to-child transmission can result in blindness, stillbirth, low birth weight and prematurity, sepsis, neonatal conjunctivitis, and congenital deformities.
Do I Still Need STI Testing if I Want an Abortion?
Getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before an abortion is essential. Untreated STIs can increase the risk of pelvic infection after the abortion procedure, so make sure to prioritize an STI screening to protect your health before you make any pregnancy decision.
Where to Get Free STI Testing
At Hope Women’s Center, we offer no-cost STI testing so you can get peace of mind about this aspect of your pregnancy.
We provide a safe place to get your questions answered so you can confidently move forward. Contact us today!
