Getting Tested For STIs in Albuquerque

Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections or diseases is a healthy and responsible part of being sexually active. Whether you are in a committed relationship or participate in casual sex, it is important to put your health first.

What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

A sexually transmitted infection is a condition contracted during sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by both bacteria and viruses.

STI causing viruses

• Herpes 
• Hepatitis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

STIs causing bacteria

• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea

If you believe you may have contracted an STI, it is important to see a health care professional immediately, especially as some STIs may mimic the signs and symptoms of other conditions.

What Conditions Mimic a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Many other conditions can exhibit the same signs and symptoms of STIs. For example, conditions that involve a burning sensation when urinating (such as a urinary tract infection) or excessive vaginal itching (such as a yeast infection) or discharge may be mistaken for an STI. It is critical to avoid self-diagnosing, as this could lead to a worsening condition.

Can I Get a Sexually Transmitted Infection From Oral Sex?

An STI can be contracted during any sexual contact, whether penetrative, oral, or another skin-to-skin contact. Taking proper precautions like condoms, dental dams, and routine STI testing can help prevent contracting infections.

How Are Sexually Transmitted Infections Treated?

There are many different treatments for STIs. A bacteria-caused STI may be treated with a round of antibiotics until the infection clears, while a doctor may only be able to treat the symptoms of an incurable STI like herpes. STI treatment varies based on the cause and severity of the infection.

Where Can I Get Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Albuquerque?

Urgent cares, primary care physicians, and health clinics typically offer STI testing. However, if time is of the essence, visiting a facility specializing in STI testing like Pregnancy Help Online can offer a judgment-free STI test, and quickly.

Why Choose Pregnancy Help Online? 

Pregnancy Help Online is an Albuquerque based clinic, providing professional non-judgemental services to individuals seeking sexually transmitted infections testing, post-abortion counseling, ultrasounds, and pregnancy services. Our compassionate and highly-skilled staff works tirelessly to ensure your comfort, safety, and health during what can be a difficult time.

Find out why Pregnancy Help Online is the pregnancy and adoption agency New Mexico residents trust - call today!

5 Reasons to Get STI Testing Done Today

At Pregnant Help Online, we believe in providing outstanding, reliable, confidential STI testing for Albuquerque women of all ages. Sexually transmitted infections can be mild or serious, but each one should be prevented, treated, and managed as soon as possible. Why should you get an STI test completed today? Here are five of the best reasons:

1. STI Testing Preserves Your Health

Similar to taking medicine when you are sick and visiting a doctor when you cannot get over an illness — seeking proper diagnosis when you believe you have been exposed to an STI is a responsible thing to do for you and your partner. Getting tested regularly helps you monitor and preserve your sexual health. Keep in mind that some STIs impact more than just your sexual organs. Some illnesses can severely impact the rest of your body as well.

2. Anyone Can Have an STI

Yes — absolutely anyone can have an existing STI. This includes those with only one consistent, long-term sexual partner and those who have not yet engaged in sexual intercourse. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases can spread in several different ways including congenitally, which is during pregnancy, before birth. Even if you believe you are practicing safe sex or abstaining from sexual contact with others, it is still important that you get tested regularly during annual physical exams.

3. Many STIs Are Treatable & Even Curable

Advances in the field of medicine have resulted in new treatment options for many sexually transmitted infections. By receiving STI testing in Albuquerque, you can identify and treat your conditions before they become serious or even life threatening. Some of these diseases are treated and cured in as little as a few weeks.

4. An STI Test is Quick, Easy & Confidential

Never feel ashamed or embarrassed about your sexual health. STI tests are important and can be completed quickly, conveniently, and confidentially. Not getting tested increases your risk of harming your body further and potentially spreading the disease to others.

5. You Love & Respect Yourself

You love yourself and you respect your body — prove it by getting an STI test done today. Contact Pregnant Help Online now and we will help you receive the STI testing Albuquerque women need to preserve their sexual health and overall wellness.

Are You at Risk For STI/STD? Reduce Your Risk!

Do you know if you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease? Many women and men may unknowingly engage in behaviors that increase their risk of contracting an STD. Unfortunately, not all STIs have identifiable symptoms. In fact, many sexually transmitted infections often go unnoticed until serious health complications occur.

The STI testing Albuquerque women use to preserve and protect their sexual health is administered by the compassionate and confidential staff at Care Net Pregnancy Center. Whether you believe you have an STI, or if you have engaged in sexual contact with a partner who may have an STI, it’s important that you get tested as soon as possible.

Risk Factors for STI Transmission

There are many ways that you can develop an STI, particularly if you engage in the following behaviors:

●        Engaging in safe sex. Although safe sex practices reduce your risk, it is not as safe as abstinence.

●        Engaging in unprotected sex. STIs can be transmitted orally, vaginally or anally, with or without protection.

●        Engaging in sex with multiple partners. Having sex with multiple partners, or having sex with one person who has sex with multiple partners, increases your risk.

●        Engaging in intravenous drug usage. Sharing needles can significantly increase your chances of developing diseases including STIs.

●        Engaging in alcohol or drug use. Any substances that impair your judgment may make you susceptible to engaging in other risky behaviors.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing an STI

Although there are many ways you can contract a sexually transmitted infection, there are thankfully many ways you can reduce your risk as well:

●        Abstain from sexual contact. Abstinence is one of the best ways to substantially reduce your risk.

●        Engage in sex with limited partners. Communicate with your partners about their sexual history too.

●        Do not have sexual relations while under the influence of substances. Sober, safe sex decreases your risk for STIs.

●        Do not share needles with others. Never share or use old needles with anyone.

●        Get tested right away if you believe you may have an STI. If left untreated, having one STI increases your chances of developing another.

STI Testing Albuquerque

For Care Net Pregnancy Centre of Albuquerque your sexual health is a priority. To learn more about reducing your risk for STIs, or for confidential STI testing, please call Care Net today.

STIs: What Happens during Testing?

All women who have been sexually active, regardless of their pregnancy status, should receive routine testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Although many of these infections are treatable, some STIs do not have easily identifiable symptoms and may develop into serious health problems if left untreated. Care Net Centers of Albuquerque is ready to offer fast and free STI testing for Albuquerque women.

STI Testing Albuquerque: What Happens During Testing 

Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is important for your overall health to get regularly tested for STIs if you are sexually active. Unfortunately, there is no single test that produces results for all STIs. Instead, each STI has its own testing procedure which a doctor or medical professional can administer. Some of these test methods may include:

●        Physical exams to check for visible symptoms like discharge, bumps or other irritations. If sores are discovered, fluid from the area may be swabbed for testing.

●        Blood tests, both finger pricks and arm-extractions, may be required to test for certain STIs.

●        Cheek swabs can be administered to test for HIV.

●        Urine tests are also common.

●        For specific STIs, the doctor may take swab or cell samples from the throat, cervix, penis, vagina, anus or urethra.

After the doctor completes one or more of these methods, you can receive results in as little as a half of an hour. Some symptoms can be immediately diagnosed visually, other symptoms may require that samples are sent to a lab and it may take days or weeks to receive results. Thankfully, many clinics can perform HIV testing in-house to give you results on the same day.

STI Testing Albuquerque

Care Net Centers of Albuquerque are focused on preserving your wellbeing. Our centers are equipped with the resources and information you need to make healthy choices for your future. We have a team of compassionate, non-judgmental medical professionals who can discreetly administer STI testing for Albuquerque residents. Schedule an appointment for STI testing today at one of four our conveniently located centres in Albuquerque, East Mountain, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas.  

IMPORTANCE OF STI TESTING

An important free service is offered at Care Net Pregnancy Center of ABQ; that of STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) screening and treatment. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are nearly 2 million new STI cases every year. At Care Net, we are concerned with this number because 50% of new STIs are among 15-24-year-olds. STIs usually affect women harder than men. This is a significant problem affecting women in their early childbearing years.

What is an STI?                                                                                                                                       

It is an infection passed from one person to another during intimate physical contact. This sexual contact includes the vagina, the mouth, or the anus. Even touching genitals can pass a sexually transmitted infection. Often the people have mild or no symptoms and do not know they are infected.

What are the symptoms?                                                                                                                        

Small warts, sores in the genital region, rashes, or discharge are some of the pieces of evidence of an STI.  Most of the infections passed from partner to partner do not have symptoms. These infections can cause scarring which later prevents women from having a child.  Sexually active girls and boys should request STI testing. Care Net tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.  Chlamydia is an infection that may not have symptoms.  Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection. Left untreated, both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. PID symptoms include pain in your lower belly and pelvic region, a heavy, smelly discharge from the vagina, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, fever and chills, and pain or difficulty peeing. A potential complication is the inability to get pregnant or an ectopic pregnancy which is life-threatening to women.

How Do We Test for STIs? 

After signing a document giving permission to be screened for STIs, a urine sample is given.  Return for results in 3 to 5 days.

How Are STIs Treated?    

These STIs can be effectively treated by taking antibiotics. An onsite medical provider will call the medication into a local pharmacy. Retesting in 6-8 weeks is recommended.

Free testing of STIs at Care Net Pregnancy Center of ABQ is a way to serve our community.