Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI/STD’s) pose a serious risk to a woman’s future reproductive and overall health, especially if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 out of 4 women between the ages of 14 and 19 is infected with at least one STI/STD.  It is important that you get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases, especially if you are considering abortion and if you suspect you have been exposed. The earlier you can be treated for an STI/STD the better.

Any abortion procedure (including chemical abortion “aka the abortion pills”) opens the risk of transmitting bacteria from outside the woman’s body or from the vagina into the woman’s cervix. Women who have an untreated STI/STD are up to 23% more likely to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) following an abortion procedure. 

It’s important to remember that not all STI/STDs produce noticeable symptoms; therefore, it’s recommended that you get tested for STI/STDs regularly if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners. 

For more information about STI/STDs schedule an appointment at Heartbeats today.