STIs and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before an Abortion
If you think you may be pregnant and are concerned about a sexually transmitted infection (STI), getting tested can help you understand your health and make informed decisions about your care.
STI (sexually transmitted infection) refers to an infection that may or may not cause symptoms, while STD (sexually transmitted disease) generally refers to an STI that has caused symptoms or disease.
This can be especially important if you are considering an abortion. An untreated STI, particularly chlamydia or gonorrhea, can increase the risk of infection-related complications. Knowing your STI status allows a healthcare provider to recommend appropriate testing, treatment, and follow-up care.
Can You Have an STI Without Symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs do not cause noticeable symptoms, so you can have an infection and feel completely healthy. Chlamydia and gonorrhea , for example, can occur without obvious symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
These symptoms can have many possible causes, and having no symptoms does not mean you do not have an STI. Testing is the best way to determine whether you have certain infections.
Why Does STI Testing Matter During Pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, knowing your STI status is important. Some untreated STIs can cause health complications during pregnancy and may require treatment or medical management.
You do not have to wait for symptoms before seeking testing. Consider talking with a healthcare provider about STI testing if you:
Know or suspect that a partner has an STI
Have symptoms that concern you
May have been exposed to an STI
Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
Simply want peace of mind
Why Does STI Testing Matter Before an Abortion?
If you are considering an abortion and may have an STI, an untreated STI can increase the risk of infection-related complications after an abortion. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can sometimes spread to the reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Can STIs Be Treated?
Many STIs can be treated. Bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can generally be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Other infections, including herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, are not currently curable but can be medically managed.
Free STI Testing in Southeast Michigan
If you are concerned about an STI and think you may be pregnant, confidential, free STI testing is available in Auburn Hills and Brighton.
An unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of questions:
Could I have an STI?
If you think you may be pregnant, don't wait and wonder. You don't have to answer all of these questions alone. Contact Another Way Pregnancy Center by web form, phone, or text to schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test and/or ultrasound. Our professional medical staff can listen to your concerns, provide information, and help you understand your next steps.
Whether you are considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, you deserve compassionate support as you make decisions about your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About STIs and Pregnancy
Can I have an STI while pregnant?
Yes. You can have an STI during pregnancy, even if you have no symptoms. Testing can help identify certain infections so they can be treated or medically managed.
Should I get tested for an STI before an abortion?
If you may have been exposed to an STI, have symptoms, or are concerned about an infection, talk with a healthcare provider about testing. Identifying and treating an infection when possible can help reduce the risk of infection-related complications.
Can an STI make an abortion dangerous?
An untreated STI can increase the risk of infection-related complications.
Can I have an abortion if I have an STI?
Having an STI does not necessarily mean that abortion cannot be provided. A healthcare provider can assess the infection and recommend appropriate treatment and care.
Can I have chlamydia or gonorrhea without symptoms?
Yes. Both infections can occur without noticeable symptoms. Testing is important if you may have been exposed or your healthcare provider recommends screening.
Are STIs curable?
Some STIs are curable. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can generally be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Other infections, such as herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, can be medically managed but are not currently curable.
Do I need symptoms to get an STI test?
No. Because some STIs cause no noticeable symptoms, testing may be appropriate even when you feel healthy.
What should I do if I think I have an STI and may be pregnant?
Contact CrossRoads Pregnancy Center in Auburn Hills or Pregnancy Help Clinic in Brighton to schedule a free appointment.
