Are you wondering if you have contracted an STI (sexually transmitted infection)? We know the process for finding out can be nerve-racking, but you are not alone.
You deserve to get answers about where your sexual health stands. Three reasons to take advantage of free or low-cost STI testing at our clinic include:
- Protect your health and prevent long-term damage.
- Prevent you from spreading the STI to others.
- It’s free or low-cost and confidential.
What is an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can spread during any type of sexual activity, through blood, semen, vaginal or other bodily fluids.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have an STI because they often do not show signs or symptoms and can therefore go unnoticed for long periods.
Common Signs of an STI
It is still possible to have noticeable signs or symptoms of an STI. These can include:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
- Lower abdominal pain
You should receive testing regardless of whether or not you have signs or symptoms.
Common bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, may not show any symptoms and develop into pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which is a severe infection that can lead to infertility, chronic pain, and other complications.
STI Testing Protects Your Partner and Pregnancy
Not only are you affected by a potential STI, but you could also infect your partner or future partners. Future pregnancies are also at risk of being infected by an STI.
If you are currently pregnant, STI testing is a must to prevent certain complications.
After receiving a positive test for STIs, your partner should also be tested and treated. It’s possible to be reinfected by the same STI.
STI/STD Testing & Treatment in Tallahassee
Our medical team at the Women’s Clinic offers urine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, the two most common STIs. We also offer a low-cost, full STI/STD panel that checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, cervical cancer, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infection, HIV and syphilis. Additional testing for herpes and HPV is also available.
We offer low-cost prescription treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. Uninsured Florida residents ages 18 and up may be eligible for free well-woman services if they have not had a wellness exam in the last 12 months. You must bring a photo ID to qualify.
Contact us today to schedule your STI/STD screening and protect your health.
