STI/STD Information for Women
The Eden Clinic provides STI/STD testing and treatment for both men and women of all ages in a private and confidential setting. We test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV with blood and urine samples.
Just because STI/STDs are common doesn’t mean they’re no big deal. Left untreated, infections can cause irreversible damage to your reproductive system, which can lead to high-risk pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, sterility, or other long-term complications.
Eden offers STI/STD information, education, resources, and referrals.
*If you’re considering an abortion, STI/STD testing is extremely important before making that decision. To get screened and treated, make an appointment with Eden Clinic.
STI vs. STD: What’s the difference?
The first difference between STDs and STIs is in the name. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, whereas STI means sexually transmitted infection. Essentially, the difference is between a disease and an infection.
Not all diseases begin with infections, but many do. Sexually transmitted diseases first begin as sexually transmitted infections. Infection occurs when the sexually transmitted bacteria or virus first enters the body and begins multiplying.
Once the sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses have entered the body, the infection may progress into a disease. Disease occurs when this foreign presence officially disrupts the body’s normal functions and processes.
STI/STD Risks
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STI/STD) can be a serious concern. Left untreated, STD/STI can cause irreversible damage to your reproductive system, which can lead to high-risk pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, or sterility.
Along with reproductive damage, complications can occur if an STD isn’t treated. Cells infected with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea can travel from your vaginal opening into your uterus. When the untreated cells travel, you are at greater risk for developing a secondary infection called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What is PID?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is serious! According to the Center for Disease Control, PID can put you at risk for ectopic pregnancy, infertility, abscess, chronic pelvic/abdominal pain, and pain and bleeding during sex. To avoid medical complications, the best thing to do is to make testing a priority.
STI/STD & Abortion
Women who undergo an abortion with an untreated STI are up to 25% more likely to develop PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) following the abortion procedure.
*If you’re considering an abortion, STI/STD testing is extremely important before making that decision. To get screened and treated, make an appointment with Eden Clinic.
STI/STD and Pregnancy
STDs can complicate your pregnancy and may have serious effects on both you and your developing baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth; others may not be discovered until months or years later. In addition, it is well known that infection with an STD can make it easier for a person to get infected with HIV. Most of these problems can be prevented if you receive regular medical care during pregnancy. This includes tests for STDs starting early in pregnancy and repeated close to delivery, as needed.