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Thinking Abortion or Carrying to Term? Why You Need an STI Screening First

Finding out you’re pregnant can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s unexpected. Your mind might be racing with questions, weighed down by uncertainty as you weigh your options.

When facing a decision this big, it is natural to want to focus purely on your next steps. However, there is a critical medical step that often gets overlooked in the rush: getting screened for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

If you have had unprotected sex, you could be at risk for both an unplanned pregnancy and an STI. Protecting your reproductive health starts with knowing where your body stands right now.

The Hidden Overlap:
Unexpected Pregnancy and STIs

Sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis are far more common than many people realize. The biggest danger of an STI isn’t always the infection itself—it’s the “silent risk”.

vMany women carrying an STI experience zero symptoms whatsoever. You might feel completely healthy, notice no physical changes, and assume everything is fine. But relying on how you feel isn’t enough. Clinical testing is the only way to know for sure whether an infection is present.

Why an STI Test is Crucial Before an Abortion

If you are considering an abortion, you might think that an STI test can wait. In reality, getting tested before any procedure is essential for safeguarding your long-term health.

During a surgical or medical abortion procedure, the cervix expands or relaxes. If you have an undiagnosed, active cervical infection—such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea—the procedure can carry those bacteria upward into your uterus and fallopian tubes.

This can lead to a serious medical condition known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

The Risks of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

  • Severe, Chronic Pelvic Pain: PID causes painful inflammation that can linger for months or years
  • Ectopic Pregnancy Risk: Scar tissue in the fallopian tubes increases the risk of future pregnancies developing outside the womb
  • Infertility: Untreated PID can permanently damage your reproductive organs, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant in the future

Treating an STI before an abortion procedure effectively eliminates this risk. Prioritizing a quick screening ensures your immediate and future reproductive health remain protected.

Why an STI Test is Essential If You Carry to Term

If you are planning to carry your pregnancy to term, an untreated STI can directly impact both your health and the health of your baby.
Active infections during pregnancy can cause several maternal and fetal complications such as low birth weight, STI transmission during delivery, and your water breaking too early.

The good news? Most common STIs are easily treatable with a simple prescription. By catching and curing an infection early, you remove these risks entirely for both yourself and your baby.

What to Expect From Our Free, Confidential STI Testing

Navigating unexpected pregnancy options on the Virginia Peninsula shouldn’t mean facing harsh judgement or expensive medical bills.

At Alcove Health, we provide a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment where you can get clear answers about your body without pressure.

Our Free Services Include:

  • Lab-Grade Pregnancy Testing: Confirm your results with accurate medical testing.
  • Diagnostic Ultrasound: Determine how far along you are and confirm a viable pregnancy.
  • Free STI/STD Screening: Confidential swab testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trich.
  • Pregnancy Options Consultations: Unbiased information on abortion, parenting, and adoption.

Schedule Your Free Appointment at Alcove Health Today

Whether you are in Newport News, Hampton, York County, or Williamsburg, taking charge of your reproductive health starts with knowing the facts. You don’t have to navigate this alone or second-guess your health status.

Getting tested is simple, confidential, and completely free of charge. Results are typically available within a few business days and are shared with you privately.

Take the first step in protecting your body today with Alcove Health.

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