Why Do I Need an STD Test Before an Abortion?
When you have an abortion, whether it is a surgical procedure or the abortion pill, it is always recommended to take an STD test first. Testing is a step taken to protect your health. An STD might not show clear symptoms, but it can still cause problems during any medical procedure, including an abortion.
Risks of Untreated STDs During an Abortion
Untreated STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea makes abortions substantially more risky and can pose a huge threat to your current and future health. Untreated STDs can increase the risk of infection and in some cases an existing infection can spread more easily when your cervix is open. This might lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause pain and make it harder to get pregnant later. If an infection is left untreated, it could become life threatening.
Even if you have no symptoms, bacteria or viruses can still be present. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say up to 70 percent of women with chlamydia have no signs at all. Testing helps catch hidden infections and protects you from more serious health issues down the road.
It is Never Recommended to Take the Abortion Pill if You Have an STD
Even if you have decided the abortion pill is right for you, it is still recommended to get tested beforehand. Even though there isn’t a surgery or procedure associated with the pill, an untreated STD can still cause significant harm. Pelvic inflammatory disease, other infections, and inflammation are all concerns when taking the abortion pill with untreated STDs.
The Testing Process at Community Pregnancy Clinics
At Community Pregnancy Clinics, we offer a simple and private STI screening that is completely free of charge. It will include questions about your sexual and medical history to ensure we are getting a full picture of your situation. A nurse will explain each step and you will be asked to provide a urine sample. Feel free to ask any questions during this time.
At our clinics we can test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Should your test come back positive, a nurse will walk you through what to expect for treatment. Treatment is often very simple, taking just a dose of antibiotics or antiviral medication. Treating an STD early means you lower the chance of complications.
Community Pregnancy Clinics Is For You
To minimize your risk of complications, it is always important to get tested for STDs before an abortion and follow any necessary treatment. If you have any questions or would like to come in for a pre-abortion screening, you can schedule an appointment now.