Why STI Testing Is Important Before an Abortion

Sexually transmitted infections, often referred to as STIs or STDs, are not always easy to talk about. However, protecting your sexual health is an important step in protecting your future health and fertility. Knowing your STI status helps you make informed medical decisions and reduces the risk of serious complications.

Medical professionals recommend STI testing any time you have had unprotected sex or changed sexual partners. STI testing before an abortion is especially important because untreated infections can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Why do I need STI testing before an abortion?

During an abortion procedure, the cervix is opened. If a sexually transmitted infection is present, this opening can allow bacteria to move upward into the uterus and other reproductive organs.

Having an abortion while infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea, two of the most common STIs in the United States, increases the risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, commonly called PID. PID can cause long term damage to the reproductive system and may lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or future ectopic pregnancies.

Identifying and treating an STI before an abortion can help lower these risks and protect your reproductive health.

What are common STI and STD symptoms?

Many STIs do not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why routine testing is so important. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Clear, white, greenish, or yellow vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis

• Strong or unusual vaginal odor

• Itching or irritation in the vagina or penis

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Burning or pain with urination

One of the most common signs of an STI is having no symptoms at all. Education and testing are key steps in reducing long term health risks.

What if I think I’m pregnant?

If you think you may be pregnant, we offer in clinic pregnancy testing and ultrasound confirmation. An ultrasound can help determine how far along the pregnancy is, confirm whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, and clarify which options may be available to you.

At this time, we provide STI testing referrals and sexual health education. We do not provide or refer for abortion services. However, we can offer medically accurate information, pregnancy confirmation, and ultrasound verification so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Trusted medical sources

Information in this article is supported by established medical and public health organizations, including:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Mayo Clinic

• National Library of Medicine, PubMed