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Why Do I Need to Get Tested for STDs Before an Abortion?

Writer's picture: First Step Women's CenterFirst Step Women's Center

It’s a subject no one likes to talk about. We get it. However, protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and infections is a way you can protect the future you envision for yourself.


While we advocate for getting tested anytime you have had unprotected sex or changed partners, ruling out an STD or STI before an abortion can protect you from serious complications.

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Why do I need to get tested before an abortion?

During an abortion, the cervix is opened. If you have an infection, this can increase the risk of the STI spreading to other organs. Having an abortion procedure while infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, two of the most common STIs, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause lifelong damage and lead to future ectopic pregnancies or infertility.


We do not provide or refer for abortion services, but we can give you the medical information you need, including ultrasound verification, to make an informed decision.


What are the most common STD/STI symptoms?

Common Signs and Symptoms

  • Clear, white, greenish, or yellowish vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis

  • Strong vaginal odor

  • Itching or irritation inside the penis or vagina

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

  • Painful urination

However, one of the most common STD or STI symptoms is no symptom at all. We help women stay informed about risks and how to protect themselves from contracting STDs/STIs.


What if I think I’m pregnant?

We can provide in-clinic pregnancy testing, STI testing, and ultrasound confirmation so you can know how far along you are, if the pregnancy is occurring inside the uterus, and which options are available to you. Please note that we do not perform or refer for abortion services. We can give you the answers and resources you need to make an informed choice and protect your health. Schedule an appointment today!


References:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594

Infection associated with abortion - Abortion risks. (n.d.). https://www.abortionrisks.org/index.php?title=Infection_Associated_With_Abortion

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Monday: 9am-4:30pm

Tuesday: By phone only

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First Step Women's Center in Springfield, Illinois is committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed pregnancy decision. We believe women and men have a right to get evidence-based information from a resource that will not profit from the choices and pregnancy decisions they make. All our services are free and confidential. 

Please note that we can only provide telehealth services to individuals located in Illinois and can provide a state ID. If you do not have a license or identification that shows you are an Illinois resident, we can still provide in-person care at no cost to you.

 

First Step Women's Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the state of Illinois. The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. We are committed to protecting your health information. Please be aware that communicating via unencrypted text messaging or messaging services has some level of risk of being read by a 3rd party. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about side effects, what to expect, and more. Contact us to learn more. We proudly serve in Springfield, Farmingdale, Sherman, Riverton, Buffalo, Cantrall, IL and the surrounding areas.

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