STI/STD Testing and Treatment
If you’re sexually active, chances are you’ve been exposed to an STI or STD. Nearly half of all Americans contract an STI at some point. But many people infected with STIs don’t experience any symptoms.
Thinking about getting tested? Morning Star Clinics provides confidential STI/STD testing and treatment for women. However, if you are pregnant and test positive for an STI/STD, we will extend testing and treatment to your partner.
How Do You Test for STIs/STDs?
Our medical professionals will help you assess which infection(s) you are at the greatest risk for and which tests are recommended. Morning Star provides testing for the following STIs/STDs:
- Gonorrhea—urine sample
- Chlamydia—urine sample
- Syphilis—blood work
- HIV—blood work
FACT: STIs are transferred from an infected person to another person through sexual intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal).
Since many people with an STI do not experience any symptoms, it’s important to be tested to know for sure if you have an STI/STD.
How Does STI/STD Treatment Work?
Some STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, are bacterial infections that can usually be treated and cured with medication.[1]
Other STIs, like HIV, are treatable with medication but not usually curable.[2]
Wondering if you might have an STI? Book an appointment at Morning Star for no-cost testing and to learn your next steps.
What Happens if You Don’t Treat an STD?
Many health issues can occur if you don’t receive proper treatment for STIs, including:
- Permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system
- Sterility (the inability to conceive a child)
- Pregnancy complications (if you’re pregnant)
- Health risks to the fetus (if you’re pregnant)
Do I Need STI/STD Testing Before an Abortion?
When left untreated, STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).[3] PID is an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs. It is known to increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and even infertility.[4]
Early treatment helps, but it can’t undo damage already done. Additionally, if you’ve had PID before, you’re more likely to get it again.
If you’re considering an abortion, it’s important to be tested for STIs, because women who undergo an abortion with an untreated STI are significantly more likely to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease following the abortion procedure.[5]
Where Can You Get Free STI/STD Testing in Harrisburg, PA?
Looking for testing in Harrisburg, PA? Visit Morning Star Clinics. We provide confidential testing and treatment, no insurance needed. Give us a call at 717-901-2799 to schedule your appointment today.
Morning Star Clinics provides STI testing and treatment for women. However, if a woman is pregnant and tests positive for an STI, we will extend the testing and treatment to her partner.
Sources
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). World Health Organization. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#tab=tab_3
- See source #1.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- See source #3.
- Stray-Pedersen, B., Sunde, A., & Rødseth, O. M. (1991). Induced abortion: Microbiological screening and medical complications. Infection, 19(5), 305-308. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01645352