3 Reasons to Take Advantage of Free STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread through bodily fluids and sexual contact. Gaining insight into how they’re transmitted and their warning signs can help you take charge of your health and stay protected.

Regular STI testing is critical to managing your long-term sexual health and making proactive decisions that protect you and your partner. Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise provides free testing and treatment for multiple STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

If you’ve never undergone STI testing, you may wonder why taking advantage of this service matters. Keep reading to learn three critical reasons why STI testing is essential.

1. Prevent Complications

Since many STIs show no apparent symptoms, routine testing is crucial in identifying infections early. Early detection allows treatment to start sooner and offers an opportunity to learn how to prevent future infections.

Untreated STIs can result in serious complications over time, so it’s critical to stay on top of your health. These complications include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• Pregnancy complications like premature delivery or low birth weight
• Ectopic pregnancies

By testing regularly, you can safeguard your sexual health and potentially avoid long-term problems.

2. Get Results Without Financial Worry

Out-of-pocket costs for STI testing can add up quickly. A test performed at a doctor’s office can cost $50 to $200; without insurance, you could pay even more.

With free STI testing, you’ll get the answers you need without burdensome expenses, enabling you to stay on top of your health without additional concerns.

3. Learn How to Keep Yourself Safe

Once you’ve decided to take advantage of free testing, you may feel that’s all there is to it—simply get your results and move forward. However, this service offers a good opportunity to learn the risk factors for contracting an STI and how to lower your chances of getting and spreading one.

For example, did you know multiple factors increase your chance of having an STI? You are more at risk if any of the following apply to you:

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse
• Having multiple partners
• Having a history of STIs
• Substance misuse or the use of recreational drugs
• Being forced to engage in sexual activity (i.e., assault)
• Being young (higher rates of STIs are reported among people aged 15-24)

Learning about prevention strategies, including those listed below, can also help keep you safe:

• Abstaining from sexual activity (this is the best way to prevent STIs)
• Having one uninfected partner
• Having open and honest conversations with your partner about sexual activity and STIs
• Getting vaccinated against STIs like HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B
• Avoiding illegal drugs and excessive alcohol use

This is your health and future; you deserve all the information needed to make sound decisions. We’ll help you get answers.

Free STI Testing

We understand that getting tested for STIs can feel anxiety-inducing, especially if you worry about being judged. Rest assured, we’re here to empower you with practical information and answers about your health. Your information and results are kept confidential.

Our medical staff offers free STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis, and UTIs for women and men. We also provide treatment for bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis).

We committed to helping men and women make healthy decisions and feel confident about their future. Personalized support, including mentoring, pregnancy options counseling, and more are available through our Men’s Legacy Center. Women also received individualized mentoring developed for their unique needs.

Start getting answers today. Schedule a free and confidential appointment to take charge of your sexual health.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise does not refer for or perform abortions.