If you are sexually active, you should be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are easily shared between sexual partners, and though they may not have symptoms, they can be destructive to your health.
Relate Care Clinic offers free STI testing and treatment for both women and men. Prioritize your and your partner’s health by taking advantage of this free and confidential service. Know your status.
What Are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are disease-causing infections transmitted through sexual contact, from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery, and from risky behaviors like needle sharing.
There are 3 types of STIs:
- Bacterial—Chlamydia and gonorrhea are examples of bacterial STIs.
- Parasitic—Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a parasite.
- Viral—Examples of viral STIs are herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What Are the Symptoms of an STI?
Symptoms of STIs vary by type of infection. Common signs include painful urination, pain during sex, foul-smelling genital discharge, or genital bumps or warts.
Often, STIs are asymptomatic. This means that there are no signs or symptoms. Because of this, they can go undiagnosed for months, increasing the chances of further complications.
Untreated STIs can increase your risk of certain complications, including:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancers
Can STIs be treated?
If you have an STI, you should seek treatment regardless of whether you have symptoms. Bacterial and parasitic STIs can be treated with antibiotics. Viral STIs, however, cannot be cured. Instead, antiviral medication will manage the symptoms and limit the risk of transmitting the STI to a partner.
After treatment, you should be tested again to ensure you are no longer infected. Your partner should also be tested for STIs. Treatment does not guarantee immunity; in other words, you can easily contract the STI again after treatment.
Contact us today to schedule free STI testing and necessary treatment. Relate serves women and men with free testing and treatment for the most common types of bacterial STI, chlamydia and gonorrhea. We can also provide referrals for additional testing if necessary.