Did you know it’s possible to contract a sexually transmitted disease from someone who feels perfectly healthy? They may pass it on to you without even knowing they have it.
Sexual activity puts you at risk
If you’re sexually active, even if you only have one partner, you are at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexually transmitted diseases are very common. It’s estimated that one in two sexually active young people will contract an STD by the age of 25 and likely won’t even realize it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates that youth ages 15-24 account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases/infections that occur in the United States each year. In addition, one in four sexually active adolescent females has an STD.
Total abstinence is the only guarantee against getting a sexually transmitted disease or infection.
What is an STD?
STDs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infectious conditions that are passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Condoms provide some protection from STDs, but some like HIV can still be transmitted even when condoms are used perfectly.
Most people do not have symptoms in the beginning so it’s important to be tested regularly to be sure you’re not infected. If you have an STD, our clinic can prescribe or refer you for treatment options.
STD testing and treatment
Women’s Clinics Maryland provides women free and confidential testing for some of the most common STDs, including:
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- HIV/AIDs
- Herpes (but only if there are active lesions)
- Chlamydia
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Yeast Infections
If you’re diagnosed with an STD, our clinic will prescribe or refer you for treatment options. Contact Women’s Clinics Maryland to make an appointment for free and confidential STD testing and treatment today.
STDs and abortion
Before you undergo an abortion procedure, it’s important to be tested for STDs. Undiagnosed STDs during your abortion may cause complications following your procedure, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
PID can lead to serious consequences including infertility and ectopic pregnancy. When PID is caused by chlamydia infection, a woman may be more likely to experience only mild symptoms even when serious damage is being done to her reproductive organs.
Women’s Clinics Maryland neither performs nor refers for abortion.