According to the CDC, up to 20% of Americans will have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at one point. Even if you’re asymptomatic, you could still be a carrier.
We recommend getting tested to protect your health and your current and future partner(s). Read more to learn about recommended test types.
What Type of STD Test Should I take?
You can do at-home tests, which usually entail a urine sample or taking an oral and genital swab and sending it to a lab. According to the Mayo Clinic, there may be more reliable forms of testing than collecting samples yourself.
At Lakes Life Care Center, we offer lab-quality tests for the most common types of STDs at no cost to you.
What are STD Symptoms?
Two of the most common types of STDs are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some of these symptoms include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
Remember, it’s possible to be a carrier without displaying symptoms, so testing is essential for detection.
Protect Your Future Health
If you have an untreated STD, this can increase your risk of health complications down the road, such as:
- Infection in newborns
- Infertility
- Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s Syndrome
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Ectopic Pregnancy
How Often Should I Get Tested?
If you are sexually active, you should talk with your doctor to determine how frequently you should get tested. According to the CDC, you should be tested at least once a year or if you’re pregnant.
Here at Lakes Life Care Center, we exist to provide judgment-free, no-cost health services to women in our center, such as pregnancy and STD testing and ultrasounds for those who qualify.
Take control of your health, and contact us today to schedule an appointment!