If your pregnancy test is positive at Corbella Clinic, you may qualify for an STI/STD test, which is always confidential and offered at no cost. We test specifically for chlamydia and gonorrhea since they are two of the most common STIs/STDs. 

Not all STIs/STDs are curable. However, chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections that can be cured with antibiotics. If you test positive for either of these infections, our licensed medical professionals will also provide you with antibiotic treatment. 

WHAT IS AN STI/STD?

Although the terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them. An STI is a sexually transmitted infection, while an STD is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs after the infection progresses and causes symptoms. Often, STIs don’t advance to symptom-causing STDs, which is why some women are unaware that they have an STI.

WHY DO I NEED STI/STD TESTING?

There are at least three important reasons:

1. STIs/STDs are common.

STIs/STDs are occurring at epidemic levels in the United States. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2021 STD Surveillance Report, the highest reported rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea were in women between the ages of 20-24. 

Because these two STIs/STDs are so prevalent, the CDC recommends that all sexually active women under the age of 25 are tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea once a year.

Not only are chlamydia and gonorrhea common STIs, but they are also referred to as “silent infections” because they often don’t cause symptoms. In fact, 75% of women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms, which leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent damage to the reproductive system, infertility, and long-term, chronic pelvic pain. 

2. Untreated STIs/STDs increase pregnancy risks.

Whether or not you’ve decided to continue your pregnancy, STI/STD detection is crucial. If you’re thinking about continuing your pregnancy, your pregnancy is at risk if you have an untreated STI/STD. These untreated infections can lead to:

• Miscarriage
• Premature rupture of the amniotic sac
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Chorioamnionitis: An acute infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid
• Lung and eye infections in newborn

3. Untreated STIs/STDs increase abortion risks.

If you have an abortion while you also have an untreated STI/STD, you are at increased risk of severe health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs. The cervix is opened during a medical or surgical abortion, making a pathway for the sexually transmitted bacteria to reach the upper reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.  

Complications of PID include:

• Long-term, chronic pelvic and abdominal pain
• Scarring that causes future ectopic pregnancies – pregnancy outside the uterus
• Infertility – unable to conceive when you’re ready
• Tubo-ovarian abscess – a potentially life-threatening infection of the ovaries
• Sepsis – a life-threatening blood infection

NO-COST AND CONFIDENTIAL TESTING & TREATMENT

Early detection is essential. You can drastically reduce your risks and protect your reproductive health when you have STI/STD testing early in your pregnancy, regardless of your pregnancy intentions. 

Corbella Clinic offers no-cost and confidential chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings with a urine test.

FIND ANSWERS TODAY

You are not alone in your pregnancy. Get accurate information and support from our skilled medical professionals by scheduling an appointment today. Our services offer the clarity you deserve so you can confidently move forward.

Protect your reproductive health with STI/STD testing and treatment.