Sexually transmitted infections and diseases happen, even when you least expect them.
You could be in a committed relationship and still be at risk, because many people carry an infection without ever knowing it. There are over 2.2 million cases of STIs in the US every year because they are very contagious and easy to miss.
Elevier Women’s Center offers no-cost STI testing and treatment in a safe, confidential setting. Schedule your appointment today and get the answers you deserve.
How Do STIs Spread?
STIs are transmitted in several ways, depending on the infection. Understanding how each one spreads can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Sexual contact is the most common route of transmission, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. But some infections don’t require intercourse to spread at all. Here’s a closer look:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea spread through sexual fluids during intimate contact
- Herpes and HPV can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration
- Syphilis spreads through contact with a syphilis sore during sexual activity
- HIV transmits through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids
One of the most important things to understand is that many STIs show no visible symptoms, which means it’s entirely possible to pass an infection to a partner without knowing it. That’s what makes regular testing so critical.
Why Getting Tested Protects More Than Just You
When an STI goes undetected, it doesn’t just affect the person carrying it.
Untreated infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to complications during pregnancy and severe issues for the baby, including eye infections and blindness. Infections like syphilis and HIV can be passed from mother to baby during delivery.
Early detection changes everything. Bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are often fully curable with antibiotics. Viral infections like herpes and HIV can be effectively managed with medication, reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of transmission to others.
Testing isn’t just about you. It’s about the people in your life, too.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Elevier Women’s Center is here to support you with compassionate, confidential care at every step. Schedule your no-cost appointment or call us at (763) 441-7777 to get started.