STD/STI & Pregnancy

There's a difference between infection and disease. Infection, often the first step, occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microbes that cause disease enter your body and begin to multiply.

A sexually transmitted infection is a bacteria or viral infection or disease that you can get from having genital, oral, anal, or vaginal sex with an infected partner. Women who are pregnant can become infected with the same sexually-transmitted diseases as women who are not pregnant. Many STD/STI's are "silent" meaning they have no symptoms, so women may not know they are infected.

STD/STI Testing During Pregnancy

STD/STI testing is a routine part of prenatal care for some doctors, but may not be for all doctors. Pregnant women should ask their doctors about getting tested for STD/STI's regardless of whether they intend to carry the pregnancy to term, or terminate the pregnancy.  When you give birth or have an abortion, your cervix can be exposed to whatever infection you may have contracted causing you to be vulnerable to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) causes constant pelvic pain, infertility problems, and can lead to death if left untreated. 

If you have had an abortion then you are 4 times more likely to have PID and 3 times more likely to get an STD. Learn how you can protect yourself by contacting us for a confidential appointment.

The effects of any STD/STI can be harmful and even life threatening, so it is important to know how pregnant women can safeguard themselves regardless of what their intention may be for the pregnancy.

To schedule an appointment for an STD/STI test, please contact us for more information.