Hands of Hope Tucson offers free STI testing and treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
So why is it important to receive this testing,
even if you are choosing to terminate your pregnancy?
According to the CDC, “…over half (55.4%) of reported cases of STIs were among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years,” (National Overview – Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2019). STIs, especially those that are left untreated, can pose a serious risk to overall health.
Studies show that 70-90% of women and 90% of men do not realize they have chlamydia. With any abortion procedure (including a medical abortion), increases the risk of introducing any type of bacteria, either outside the body or in the vagina, into the cervix. Women who have an untreated STI (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) are up to 23% more likely to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) following an abortion procedure.
PID is an infection in the female reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes). PID can cause chronic pelvic pain and/or difficulty getting pregnant. Not all women develop symptoms of PID and some experience mild symptoms, which include abdominal pain, abnormal or heavy vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, fever, or painful or difficulty with urination. Due to the issues that PID can cause on women’s long-term, overall health, it is recommended that any women, whether continuing with their pregnancy or terminating, should be tested for STIs.
Source: National Overview, STI Surveillance, 2019.
Hands of Hope Tucson is a registered 501(c)(3) with a medical and trained staff who have been helping the Tucson Community with sexual health resources since 1981.
