If you’re considering abortion, you may be wondering whether an STI test is really necessary beforehand. The short answer: yes, it’s an important step for your health and safety.
Why STD/STI Testing Matters Before an Abortion
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) don’t cause obvious symptoms. You might not realize you have one and that can put you at risk during any medical procedure, including a surgical abortion or medication abortion.
Untreated infections can increase the risk of serious complications like:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Future fertility problems
- Long-term pelvic pain
Getting tested helps protect your reproductive health and ensures you receive treatment if needed before moving forward.
Common STIs Tested Before an Abortion
The most common infections that clinics and doctors check for include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- HIV and syphilis (depending on risk factors)
Chlamydia and gonorrhea, in particular, can be present without any symptoms. Twenty million new cases of STIs are found every year in the U.S. So, if you are sexually active, the chances of having an undetected STI are high. If left untreated, it can cause long-term complications.
What if I Test Positive for an STI?
If your test comes back positive, most infections can be treated quickly with antibiotics. The important thing is that you’ll be addressing the infection before it can cause bigger problems.
Do Abortion Clinics Require STI Testing?
Not all clinics test for STDs before an abortion. Some may recommend it, while others leave it up to the patient. That’s why it’s important to ask in advance or schedule your own confidential testing before making an appointment.
Thrive Women’s Clinic offers free STI testing and treatment for two of the most common STIs, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, so you can be sure your health and safety are always put first.
Where Can I Get Tested for Free?
Thrive Women’s Clinic offers STI testing and treatment at all three of our locations. These services are always confidential and free of charge.
If you’re considering abortion, getting tested for STIs is a simple but important step to protect your health. Even if you don’t have symptoms, testing ensures that you’re safe from preventable complications and can move forward in your pregnancy decision with confidence.
Book your appointment at one of our locations in West Dallas, Central Dallas, or Irving, Texas today.