STI/STD Testing

Stay Sexually Healthy - Get Tested

Stay Sexually Healthy - Get Tested

If you are sexually active, you could have an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). Left untreated, a sexually transmitted infection can cause serious damage to your body and your reproductive health. You can have an STI even though you have no symptoms and spread the infection without realizing it.

How Do I Get an STI?

According to the Mayo Clinic, STI’s are spread mainly through sexual activity, including oral, anal, and vaginal, and genital touching. The infection is passed from person to person through blood, semen, vaginal, or other bodily fluids. No form of contraception (birth control) is 100% effective, not even condoms. Condoms and dental dams are not 100% effective on STD’s with exposed genital sores like HIV and Herpes.
 
STI’s can also be passed to infants during pregnancy and childbirth or sharing needles during drug use.
 
Regular testing can help prevent the spread of infections by getting treatment early.  NorthStar medical staff are trained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide testing, education, and treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, and a nurse can assess your risk behaviors so you can make choices to protect your reproductive health.  Ask your nurse for your risk assessment or for a test by making an appointment.
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Symptoms of STI/STD

While you can have a sexually transmitted infection and not realize it, some common symptoms might include:
  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or oral or rectal area
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Discharge from the penis for men/Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge for women
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain during sex
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin but can be more widespread
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

If I am Pregnant, Can I Still Have an STD/STI?

In 2022, there were 2.5 million reported cases of sexually transmitted infections https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/default.htm.  Unfortunately, you can be pregnant and get an STI. Regardless of your intentions for your pregnancy (carry or terminate), it is important to be tested and treated for an STI right away. Having a sexually transmitted infection during your pregnancy can cause harm to you and your pregnancy. 
 
If you have had sex with a high-risk partner or shared needles, get tested and treated immediately. 
 
NorthStar offers testing and treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, the most common sexually transmitted infections, for qualifying patients with a positive pregnancy test at NO COST. Tests and treatment for other patients will be performed as resources allow.
 
Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance, 2022  STD Information from CDC. Facts, Statistics, Treatment, and Other Resources. www.cdc.gov
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“NorthStar offers up-to-date, accurate information about all of your options regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, disability, etc. We are a non-profit that provides all services at no cost to you. NorthStar provides information and services for educational purposes and does not make money from a woman’s decision, so we do not provide or refer for abortion services.”