Your sexual health matters.
If you think you may be pregnant, getting tested is crucial for your health. Untreated STD/STI’s can create elevated risk for infections through pregnancy or an abortion procedure.
Whether oral, vaginal, or anal—there is always a risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) or sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) with sexual activity.
STD/STI’s can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, and some have little to no symptoms. Some diseases may last a lifetime or prove life-threatening.
If you are sexually active, getting tested and treated is important to avoid potential long-term harm to yourself and the risk of spreading them to others.
How common are STDs?
- The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 1 in 4 sexually active teen girls have an STD.
- 1 in 6 Americans age 14 and older have herpes.
- 776,000 people in the US get new herpes infections each year.
- More than 65 million people in the US are currently living with an incurable STD.
- Every year, 20 million new STDs occur in the US, half among those ages 15-24.
- About 79 million Americans, most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Are there long-term effects of having STDs?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts, accounts for more than 95% of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer claims the lives of 4,000 American women yearly. Undiagnosed STIs cause 24,000 women to become infertile every year. Having any STD increases the risk of contracting HIV.
Will I have symptoms if I have STDs?
Most people who have an STD experience no noticeable symptoms or may not recognize the symptoms for what they are. You can be infected or infect someone else without even knowing it.
Am I protected from STDs if I only have oral or anal sex?
The following STDs are transmitted via oral and anal sex:
- Chlamydia
- HPV
- Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV (anal sex is especially risky)
How effective are condoms in preventing STDs?
Consistent use of condoms during vaginal sex can reduce the risk of STDs by up to 80%. Condoms are less effective in preventing STDs that are transmitted through skin to skin contact (such as HPV) since condoms do not cover all possible infected areas. We can offer personal consultation about these risks and refer you to the facilities that will help you get the STD testing you need.
The information was obtained from the following sources:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
US Department of Health and Human Services – www.hhs.gov
World Health Organization – www.who.int
If you are considering an abortion, schedule today to learn more about STD/STI’s and
get a referral to get yourself tested prior to your procedure.