STD/STI Testing
What Is The Difference Between an STD and an STI?
Many healthcare providers use the terms STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection) interchangeably. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an STI is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. An STD develops because of an STI, which means the infection has led to symptoms of a disease.
Who Gets an STI/STD?
STIs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. In the U.S. alone, there are about 20 million new cases of STIs each year.
- STDs pass more easily from men to women than vice versa, which means women have higher rates of STDs.
- By age 25, one-half of all sexually active young people get an STD.
- Each year, 9 million new cases of STDs occur among young people aged 15 – 24.
- Pregnant women with STDs are at greater risk of miscarriage and premature delivery.
- The U.S. has the highest STD rates of any country in the industrialized world.
Should I Get Tested for an STD?
If you are sexually active, you could get a sexually transmitted infection or disease. You need to be tested if:
- You have had oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- You have recently had unprotected sex.
- Your partner has had multiple partners.
- You have had a change in partners.
- You are scheduled to have an abortion.
How Do I Know I Have an STD?
Many STDs show no early signs or symptoms. Without symptoms, people put off testing which results in greater complications. You can still pass an STD/STI to another person even though you don’t have symptoms.
Can an STD Be Treated?
Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be cured. Viral STDs, such as herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, can be effectively treated.
At Crossroads Care Center, we provide free, confidential testing and treatment for 7 of the most common STDs for our prenatal clients & their partners including
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- HIV
- Herpes Simplex 1
- Herpes Simplex 2
- Syphilis
