Why It Is Important to Get Tested For STIs Before An Abortion?
No one plans on having an STI and rarely do we want to talk about such things. However, the reality is that it can happen to almost anyone. Protecting yourself from STDs and STIs will help you protect the future you envision for yourself.
It is important to get tested any time you have unprotected sex or change partners because you may pass along an undiagnosed STI to your partner. More than this, if left untreated, some STIs and STDs can cause serious health problems including life-threatening infections and infertility.
If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and may be considering an abortion, ruling out an STI or STD beforehand can protect you from serious complications. This is because during an abortion, the cervix is opened. If you have an infection, this can increase the risk of the STI spreading into other organs. Having an abortion procedure while infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, two of the most common STIs, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause lifelong damage and lead to future ectopic pregnancies or infertility.
Some common symptoms of STIs and STDs are:
- Clear, white, greenish, or yellowish vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis
- Strong vaginal odor
- Itching or irritation inside the penis or vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful urination
However, one of the most common STD symptoms is no symptom at all. This is why it is always so important to get tested. Testing is free in Ontario and can be done by your family doctor, at a walk-in clinic or these quick test clinics in Kingston:
KFL&A Public Health (221 Portsmouth Ave.)
- Tuesdays and Thursdays (1–3:30 p.m.)
Trellis HIV and Community Care (844a Princess St.)
- Tuesdays (9–11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.)
- Thursdays (9 to 11:30 a.m.)
Kingston Community Health Centre (263 Weller Ave.)
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (9–12 p.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m.)
Street Health STI Quick Test Clinic (115 Barrack St.)
- Monday to Friday (9 –12p.m. and 1–4 p.m.)
Napanee Area Community Health Centre (26 Dundas St. West, Napanee)
- Monday to Friday (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Queens University Student Wellness Centre (First floor, Mitchell Hall, 69 Union St.)
- Monday to Friday (9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Although there is help and treatment for STIs and STDs, the best way to protect yourself is through healthy relationships. Studies have shown that consistent proper use of condoms protect against most STIs between 10-90%, depending on the STI. However, condoms provide no protection against HPV, genital warts or genital lice. Only abstinence is a 100% guarantee against all STIs and STDs. At Mea Centre, we provide information about sexual health, STIs and STDs that will help you make informed decisions for your relationships. We also provide free pregnancy tests and information about your options if you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. We are here for you to find a neutral space to get the information you want and make a decision for yourself without any outside pressure. Click HERE to make an appointment with one of our support workers today.
By: Carling, RN ~ Prenatal Educator
References:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/sexually-transmitted-infections-tests
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pelvic-inflammatory-disease
https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8547409/
https://www.abortionrisks.org/index.php?title=Infection_Associated_With_Abortion
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/clinics-and-classes/sexual-health-clinics.aspx