STD testing is a common practice for those who are sexually active, and it is especially important for pregnant women. The Resource Center offers testing for two of the most common STDs, chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can be done with a urine sample. After collecting the sample, it will be sent to a lab for testing and the results will usually be available within one week. Pregnancy does not provide any additional protection against STDs, so it is important for pregnant women to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
This can be done with a blood test or a swab or urinalysis. After the initial visit to the doctor, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled to review the results of the STD test with a nurse. Before signing the consent form that allows The Resource Center to test for STDs, the nurse will explain the process and answer any questions that you may have. It is important to note that having an STD at the time of an abortion can increase your chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, so it is important to get tested before you have an abortion.
The Pap smear and STD test both require a pelvic exam, just as you would normally do at your annual gynecologist visit. It is important to know the harmful effects of STDs and to know how to protect yourself and your unborn baby from infection. If you are diagnosed with an STD during pregnancy, your sexual partner(s) should also be tested and treated.
