STI Information
Being informed about STIs and their risks can help you make decisions about your sexual health that will impact you for the rest of your life. LifeClinic offers free STI testing and treatment, as well as information on all the types of STIs.
What’s the difference between STIs and STDs?
A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is a disease that is spread through any kind of sexual contact. Since many of the most common STDs do not exhibit signs or symptoms at first, they’re now more accurately referred to as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by most health experts. Even though you may not be experiencing signs or symptoms, the presence of an undetected STI is still harmful to your health. It is also important to understand that some STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Am I at risk?
If you have had sex with more than one partner, you are at risk for contracting an STI. You are also at risk if you have had sex with someone who has had multiple partners. STI’s may be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, as well as through mutual masturbation.
What should I do if I am at risk?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all sexually active men and women get tested every year. You should also be tested anytime you have new or multiple sex partners. To minimize your risk of contracting STIs, you may choose to abstain from sex or remain in a long-term, single-partner relationship like marriage.
Getting Tested
LifeClinic tests for the two most common STIs: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. These are treatable bacterial infections. If you test positive for either strain, we offer treatment and follow-up testing at no cost.
What can happen if an STI goes untreated?
If left untreated, an STI can cause serious long-term reproductive damage. Depending on the STI, you could be at increased risk for infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cancer, miscarriage, and a shorter lifespan.
LifeClinic offers testing and treatment to both men and women. If you think you’re at risk for less common STIs, we can refer you to a clinic that offers additional testing. Schedule an appointment with LifeClinic to get your free STI testing today.