STD testing can be easy to put off, especially when you feel fine. You may assume you would notice if you had an infection, or decide to wait until symptoms appear.
The problem is that many sexually transmitted diseases can be present without obvious symptoms. Testing is the only way to know whether you have an infection that may need treatment.
If free STD testing is available in your community, there are good reasons to take advantage of it. Greater Hope Care Center does not provide STD testing, but we do offer confidential information and referrals if you have questions about your sexual health or aren’t sure where to begin.
Schedule a free appointment with us today, and keep reading to learn why this service is so valuable.
1. You May Not Have Any Symptoms
An STD doesn’t always cause pain, unusual discharge, sores, or other noticeable changes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some sexually transmitted infections cause few symptoms or none at all. Someone can therefore have an infection and pass it to a sexual partner without knowing it.
Feeling healthy doesn’t mean you have a good understanding of your STD status. If you’ve been sexually active and have reason to be concerned about exposure, testing can give you an answer rather than leaving you to make guesses.
2. Treatment Can Prevent Bigger Problems
Some bacterial STDs can be treated with medication, but leaving an infection untreated may allow complications to develop.
For women, infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause chronic pelvic pain and may affect fertility. Certain infections during pregnancy can pose risks to the pregnancy or the baby.
Finding an infection gives you the opportunity to speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate treatment and any follow-up that may be needed.
3. It Doesn’t Cost Anything
It’s easy to postpone medical testing when money is tight.
That’s one reason free STD testing can be valuable. If a clinic or health organization in your area provides testing at no cost, you can get important health information without adding another bill to your budget.
Testing may also help you have more informed conversations with a current or future sexual partner.
Have Questions About STD Testing?
Greater Hope Care Center does not provide STD testing, but you can still contact us if you have questions or want confidential information about sexual health.
If testing is appropriate for you, we can refer you to a qualified healthcare provider or testing program in your area.
Schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here to help you take control of your health.
