The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently estimates that 20% of the U.S. population has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Almost half of new STIs were among young people aged 15 to 24.
If you are sexually active, the CDC recommends testing at least once a year.
How do I know if I have an STD?
Most STDs and STIs have little to no immediate symptoms, which is why many people do not consider getting tested. However, the longer you wait to treat the infection, the complications become more serious.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms Of Chlamydia
Early-stage chlamydia infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually start one to two weeks after exposure to chlamydia. Often symptoms are mild and passing, making them easy to overlook.
Signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection may include:
- Painful urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Vaginal discharge
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between periods and after sex
Symptoms Of Gonorrhea
In many cases, gonorrhea infection causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, gonorrhea can affect multiple sites in your body, but it commonly occurs in the genital tract.
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea infection include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain, possibly Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Do you offer testing and treatment?
We offer testing and treatment for women who qualify. A La Luz Women’s Center nurse conducts a urine test to determine if you have chlamydia or gonorrhea.
If you test positive, we’ll provide you with a prescription for treatment. You can consult your nurse about avoiding STIs/STDs and other sexual health risks.
How do I qualify for testing?
If you suspect you are pregnant, schedule free laboratory-quality pregnancy testing from La Luz Women’s Center. If your test is positive and you meet other requirements, you can be eligible for STD testing.
When is testing available?
For women who qualify, a nurse can do STD testing at the time of your initial appointment. We can give you a list of referrals for further STD testing if you do not qualify.
