If you are sexually active, you risk getting a sexually transmitted infection. Although numerous strategies lower the risk of getting an STD, none of them eliminate your risk, not even using condoms 100% of the time. It is wise to get testing for STDs to know if you and your partner are at risk. At PRC Grand Rapids, we provide low-cost STD testing. Fifty dollars ($50) * covers the cost of testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infection, as well as treatment, if needed, for most of the infections we test for.
A coupon for no-cost STD testing is available when you come to PRC Grand Rapids for pregnancy testing services.
- Minors (17 or younger) and/or current high school students with a high school ID or driver’s license: $50 fee will be waived
- College students with a current college ID or transcript: $25 fee
- PRC pregnancy test or ultrasound patients: $50 fee will be waived
- All other patients: $50 fee
- Each additional swab site testing: $10/site
Protect Your Sexual Health
Many STDs are curable; some are not. Their impact on physical health varies. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are capable of causing reproductive problems, including infertility. HIV is a virus that targets and alters the immune system, increasing the risk and impact of other infections and diseases. Without treatment, the infection might progress to an advanced stage called AIDS, which is ultimately fatal. Many STDs are silent; it’s easy to think “I’m healthy” even though you may actually be infected. Women can have trichomoniasis for months to years without symptoms. This is why testing for STDs is so important.
Detecting STDs
Testing is required to know if you or your partner are infected with an STD. Unfortunately, a partner’s past history, the absence of symptoms, their use of condoms, and their personal character are not enough to judge whether or not they are infected.
Occasionally, a sexually transmitted infection will produce symptoms such as:
- Burning with urination
- Discharge
- Odor
- Cramping
- Spotting or discomfort with sex
- Bumps or sores
Symptoms like these should be evaluated by scheduling an appointment with our qualified healthcare provider.
Infection and Abortion
Approximately 5-20% of women who are NOT given antibiotics before a surgical abortion will develop an infection of the uterus. These infections are caused by a number of bacteria including, but not limited to, STDs. Getting STD testing and treatment before an abortion is still a wise step to take.
Prevention of STDs
Many strategies will lower your risk of becoming infected – things like using condoms 100% of the time, only having sex with recently tested partners, avoiding the combination of sex and alcohol, and avoiding multiple partners. You can eliminate your risk of becoming infected by intentionally pursuing a committed, monogamous relationship with an uninfected person or by not having sex.
Schedule No-Cost STD Testing and Treatment
If you’re unexpectedly pregnant or think you might be, PRC Grand Rapids offers no-cost to you STD testing and treatment to protect your health. Schedule an appointment with us today.