If you’ve had unprotected sex, even once, you could be at risk of contracting an STI, or sexually transmitted infection. There are a variety of STIs, ranging from treatable to untreatable, some of which exhibit no symptoms. In fact, many STI symptoms resemble symptoms of other common ailments. That’s why it’s important to get tested as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Think you might have an STI? Here are some common symptoms for women:
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD and can be transmitted during unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected partner. With Chlamydia, many people experience no symptoms at all. If symptoms are present, they could include fever, abdominal pain, and unusual discharge. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which could eventually cause problems with the reproductive system like infertility.
Gonorrhea is the most common bacterial STD. The symptoms of gonorrhea are vaginal and penile discharge or painful urination. As with Chlamydia, leaving Gonorrhea untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies. Gonorrhea can affect the throat, eyes, mouth, and rectum, and even spread to the bloodstream and joints, causing a variety of life-threatening illnesses.
HPV is the most common STI. More than 100 strands of the virus exist, and all of them can infect both men and women. Although no cure exists for HPV, most strains can be prevented through a vaccine. Regular pap smears can also prevent or detect early stages of cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Genital Herpes typically causes painful, watery skin blisters on or around the genitals or anus. However, the majority of people who carry these viruses have minimal or no symptoms. Genital Herpes cannot be cured because the virus can be found deep in the body’s nerve cells. When people have a new outbreak of genital blisters, this is the time where the STI is most contagious.
HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV destroys the body’s immune system by killing the blood cells that fight infection. Once HIV destroys these cells, the body can no longer fight off and recover from infections. This is when HIV progresses to AIDS. People who have AIDS are susceptible to even minor types of infections and certain forms of cancer. Both HIV and AIDS cannot be cured.
Syphilis is spread from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex through direct contact with sores, called chancres. The first sign of syphilis is a painless genital sore that most often appears around the vagina or on the penis. Having Syphilis makes a person more likely to contract HIV, which increases the likelihood that the infection will be spread to a sexual partner. Syphilis can be cured, but if left untreated, could eventually spread to vital organs such as the brain, liver, and heart.
Bacterial Vaginosis is a fairly common vaginal infection and can be caused by having multiple sexual partners. While a vagina typically has different types of safe bacteria growing in it, sometimes changes in the balance of those types of bacteria can cause issues, such as unusual smells and discharge. Having bacterial vaginosis could increase the risk of getting other STIs, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Trichomoniasis is most common in young women. The parasite spreads when an infected person comes in contact with another’s genitals. Although Trichomoniasis doesn’t always exhibit symptoms, they can cause frequent, painful, or burning urination in men and women as well as vaginal discharge, genital soreness, redness, or itching in women. Because the infection can occur without symptoms, a person may be unaware that he or she is infected. Trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics.STIs are commonly spread through bodily fluids such as vaginal fluids, semen or blood. The only way to prevent contracting an STI is to abstain from all forms of sexual intercourse.
Having unprotected sex not only leads to pregnancy but can also lead to STIs. When pregnant, having an STI left untreated can cause serious harm to your body and cause miscarriages. In pregnant women, STIs can cause miscarriages, preterm delivery and can even be spread to the fetus in utero or during delivery. If your pregnancy is confirmed through one of our no-cost pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, True Choice can provide you with testing for certain common STIs. Because STIs greatly affect a woman’s body if she is pregnant, you should get tested right away. Make your no-cost, confidential appointment at True Choice today.
Schedule your confidential appointmentWhole Body Health Education is a solutions-based resource that empowers women to learn, understand, and become active participants in their own, unique feminine design. No woman should feel like she has a silent struggle with her menstrual cycles, hormonal health, and consistency, or general health imbalances – due to a lack of education.
This program serves as an educational resource to empower women in their understanding of their own biology. We promote hormonal and general health balance with the belief that women are empowered through education, and that knowledge is power. Through knowledge, women can place an increased value on themselves and then in turn, make informed reproductive and sexual health choices.
Addresses the gaps of knowledge so that women are awakened to know their bodies in any state of health
Through this resource, women who have been uninformed and powerless when encouraged not to have to think about their bodies become the most informed sources of their own biology.
Women don’t need more information on pills or products for symptom management, they need to become the most reliable source of their own biology.
Fertility education provides a natural form of birth control that uses the design and knowledge of your body to know where you are in your cycle to not only avoid or achieve pregnancy, but also have a means to fix what is imbalanced.
Gives us the opportunity to place more value on women by helping them manage their health in the most educated, natural, and healthy way possible.
Provides the opportunity to liberate women through trustworthy, complete medical resources by helping them gain awareness of how hormones influence their overall health; they don’t have to be in isolation when faced with these issues.
It’s not enough to know the problem, they also have to know the solution; the solution brings healing.
Fertility education helps to bring unity and partnerships between the woman, her body and her healthcare liaison
When scheduling an appointment for a pregnancy test, a “well-woman exam,” or an STD screening, each of our clients has an opportunity to learn about our Whole Body Health Education program. If desired, you’ll meet with an educator who will provide a thorough hormonal health assessment, evidence-based education, and answer any questions you may have.
After this initial consultation, you’ll become a candidate for a 30-minute teaching session as an additional service [at no cost] or can schedule a 30-minute return appointment where you’ll learn how hormones play a crucial role in menstrual cycle tracking and health. Our clients are educated on how to promote general health through diet, exercise, and stress management – all of which affect hormonal health. They are also trained in how to chart cycles on the app provided, and to export monthly charts to a Whole Body Health educator, who provides feedback in a timely manner.
The Whole Body Health Education program provides women with a platform where they can have a confidential conversation about their hormonal and general health concerns . If there is an issue outside of the scope of the Whole Body Health educator that requires medical management and intervention, the educator will consult with a medical provider that can provide the client with a telemedicine visit for further workup.
We believe many women don’t need another pill, product or bandaid; they need true solutions for their hormonal health issues. The Whole Body Health Education program is designed to provide just that.
Get a lab-quality pregnancy test, get same-day results, and discuss next steps in a comfortable setting with our caring staff.
Meet privately with a medical professional to verify pregnancy, discuss concerns, undergo health assessment, and review next steps.
Our limited ultrasounds not only accurately date pregnancies but also assist in identifying the status of the fetus, and pre-natal care options.
Compassionate consultations empower informed decision-making, exploring all options around an unplanned pregnancy.
Evidence-based insights enhance patients’ understanding of fertility, sexual health and family planning.
Personalized screening and treatment services for common STDs, guidance for prevention and effective management.
Delve deeper into your pregnancy decision with a follow-up appointment for personalized guidance toward your goal.
Confidential screening and treatment for common STDs, along with guidance on preventing and managing infections.
Our caring staff offers a safe space to discuss emotions after pregnancy loss. True Choice provides , confidential post-abortion counseling for your well-being.
If you choose to parent your child, we have resources to help you. Learn more about how our pregnancy classes can prepare you for birth and beyond, and how our parenting classes can help you become a successful, loving parent.
We’re here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey. True Choice connects you with practical community resources, including health insurance, social services, and adoption agencies.
True Choice supports young women transitioning through this new phase of life. Accessing help for teen pregnancy is confidential and completely with us.
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