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STI/STD Facts
LifeChoices offers confidential STI/STD testing for men and women. Most tests are free, but some may incur a lab fee. For specifics on the testing, place your mouse over the images to the right.
To schedule an apointment or ask a question about STI/STD Testing and Treatment click here now.
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HIV
The surest way to avoid transmission is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Male latex condoms can reduce the risk of HIV/STI/STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STI/STD.3-6 month re-test recommended
Test - Blood Draw
Cost - Free
For more information visit: The CDC HIV Facts -
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is passed through direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) which is typically painless. Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated.
Genital ulcer diseases, like syphilis, can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.
Test - Blood Draw
Cost - Free
For more information visit: The CDC Syphilis Facts -
CHLAMYDIA/GONORRHEA
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea are very common and often have no symptoms. The surest way to avoid transmission is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission.
Test - Urine/Endocervical
Cost - Must meet criteria for FREE testing. If criteria is not met, a $15 lab charge will apply.
For more information please visit: The CDC Chlamydia Facts The CDC Gonorrehea Facts -
HPV
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV (human papilloma virus) infection at some point in their lives. HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom—so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.
The only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.
Test - Pap or visual exam by physician
Cost - Pap $15
For more information please visit: The CDC HPV Facts -
HERPES
Most people infected with Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2) are not aware of their infection. 1out of 5 adolescents and adults, have had a genital herpes infection. The surest way to avoid transmission is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission.
Test - Blood Draw
Cost - $20
For more information please visit: The CDC Herpes Facts -
HEPATITIS
Hepatitis B: is transmitted through contact with infectious blood, semen, and other body fluids, from having sex with an infected person, sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs, or from an infected mother to her newborn. There is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C: is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person, but primarily through sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs. Hepatitis C may be transmitted by sexual contact.
Test - Blood Draw
Cost - $10 each
For more information please visit: The CDC Hepatitis Facts -
Condoms
May reduce risk of contracting some STD’s if used consistently and correctly each time.
Human error reduces the effectiveness - nothing is 100%.
Check out the CDC site for more information regarding condom effectiveness and consistent correct usage. -
Abortion & STD’s
Abortion clinic may or may not test patients for potential STDs
Some STDs may spread through the pelvic area during a surgical abortion
Possible complication – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
STD Infections
linked to PID:Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Bacterial Vaginosis
PID:
Increases risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
Possible reduction in fertility
Can take up to 36 weeks for symptoms to appear
All women considering abortion should be tested for STDs even if they are not experiencing any symptoms to ensure that there are no possible complications.