Think you may have an STD/STI? It’s important to be sure, especially when continuing with a pregnancy. You may have thought this wouldn’t ever happen to you. The CDC shares that there are approximately 20 million new STD infections each year—around half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.
Many times, STD/STIs don’t have noticeable symptoms, putting people in danger of spreading them and putting their health at risk for serious health complications. It’s important to visit your doctor today to get tested right away.
What are STD/STIs?
Every STD begins as an infection. STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are diseases that result from STIs, and are more serious. or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections that haven’t developed into diseases yet. They include bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
STD/STIs are passed through sex or sexual activity. They can pass from one person to another by blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Some common STDs are:
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Chlamydia
- HIV/AIDS
- HPV
Common STD/STI symptoms
STD/STIs don’t always have noticeable symptoms, but there are common symptoms you could be experiencing at the moment. Get tested if you have any of these symptoms…
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes
- Lower abdominal pain
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
How Do STD/STIs Affect Pregnancy?
There are a couple of different ways STD/STIs could affect your pregnancy. These include…
- Cause a miscarriage
- It could cause an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube)
- Put you into preterm labor and delivery (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy)
It’s important to get tested for STD/STIs once you find out you’re pregnant so you can receive treatment right away.
Get More Information Today
Get answers about STD/STIs today. We know the waiting stage is scary – and we are here for you. Talk to us today to learn more about these infections/diseases to get clarity about what’s next. Our team is here to listen with no judgment and is completely confidential.
Contact us today to learn more. You are not alone.