STI Testing And Treatment
ABBA provides free limited STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment. It can happen to you, so do not wait to be tested.
If you or your partner have had sexual contact with more than one person, you need to be tested. Some STIs have no noticeable symptoms. However, you do not have to have symptoms to be contagious; you can spread the disease at any time and not even know it. Left untreated, STIs can lead to more significant complications later. An STI can become a sexually transmitted disease (STD) leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, and even cancer.
“One in two sexually active persons will contract an STI by age 25.”*
According to the Mayo Clinic, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by:
- Bacteria (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia)
- Parasites (trichomoniasis)
- Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 20 million new STIs occur every year in this country, half of those among young people aged 15–24.”*
Anyone sexually active runs the risk of contracting an STI. Those risks are increased by:
- Unprotected sex, even condoms do not protect you from all diseases or infections
- Sexual contact with multiple partners
- Have a history of STIs, you are more likely to get an STI again if you’ve already had one
“CDC estimates that undiagnosed STIs cause 24,000 women to become infertile each year.”*
Women who are pregnant can experience complications due to an STI. In fact, according to womenshealth.gov
“Some STIs can be passed from a pregnant woman to the baby before and during the baby’s birth.
- Some STIs, such as syphilis, cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb.
- Other STIs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes, can pass from the mother to the baby as the baby passes through the birth canal.
- HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the baby during delivery.”
STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can be treated and cured with antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy. STIs caused by viruses, like genital herpes, hepatitis B, or HIV cannot be cured. In our community, ABBA offers limited tests and treatments for gonorrhea and chlamydia, the most common sexually transmitted infection for women.
All of our testing and treatments are strictly confidential. We believe in protecting your privacy. Contact ABBA today and make an appointment to be tested for STIs.
*Statistics came from the American Sexual Health Association
Staying or becoming sexually healthy is far more than avoiding STDs and/or an unplanned pregnancy. Sexual health covers mind, body and spirit. It is a personal, positive, and pro-active lifestyle that empowers the recipient to make well-informed decisions in sexual matters now and in the future.
Why Is Sexual Health Important?
Being healthy sexually protects your heart, your future marriage, your self-confidence, and your relationships. Anybody who is thinking about being, or already is sexually active, is in a relationship, is thinking about getting married, or has been sexually abused or misused will benefit from a better understanding of sexual health.
What Is Sexual Health?
Sexuality is not just what we choose to do with our bodies, it is who we are. As women, we are created to love, to give life, and to be whole. The World Health Organization defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”
Learning To Be Healthy Sexually
We have a character-based program that can help you set your goals, accomplish your dreams, and become the person you want to be. Our program gives you the self confidence you need to be able to set up and maintain a personal plan of action in building healthy relationships.
Our sexual health program can help you explore your strengths, encourage you to overcome weaknesses, and introduce you to a positive view of your sexuality. We can help you with some of the following resources:
- Relationship and personality assessment tests
- Literature that emphasizes healthy relationships
- Numerous courses on sexual behavior and results
- Accurate medical information
- Support in your journey
If you have questions, please contact us. We are also available for STI/STD testing. Everyone who is sexually active with more than one partner should be tested on a regular basis. Set up your appointment today.
