Don’t Risk It: Get STI Testing Today at Our Free Reproductive Health Clinic
One essential aspect of quality care whether you’re at an abortion clinic, women’s clinic, or hospital is STI testing. In this article, we will discuss the importance of STI testing and what to expect during the process. By being informed and proactive about your health, you can ensure a positive experience at the clinic of your choosing.
STI testing can be an uncomfortable and intimidating experience. However, it is a critical component of maintaining your reproductive health and, if pregnant, ensuring a safe pregnancy. Not all clinics are the same, but for the purpose of this article, we will walk through the typical steps of an STI testing appointment here at Mosaic.
Concerned About an Infection?
STI Testing at Mosaic Virginia
The first step is a consultation so our trained professionals can work with you to determine which tests are appropriate based on your health history and symptoms. They will take the time to fully listen to you and then identify any potential risk factors. Based on this information, your healthcare professional will recommend appropriate tests, which may include a urine test, blood test, or physical examination. Our staff is highly trained to conduct these tests with sensitivity and professionalism – ensuring that you feel comfortable throughout the process.
At Mosaic Virginia, we believe that you deserve to be fully informed so you can confidently make reproductive health decisions. If you are concerned you may have contracted an STI, we are ready to help with free testing and treatment.
Like most free clinics, we are limited in what sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment is available. If you or your healthcare provider suspects you have contracted an STI or STD that we cannot test for or treat, we can help you with your next steps, provide valuable information and assist in the referral process.
If after the initial consultation your healthcare provider suspects you may have an STI that we can test for and treat, a trained registered nurse will administer laboratory-grade STI testing.
Once the testing is complete, we will contact you (with privacy and confidentiality) to inform you of the test results within 5-7 days.
If a positive result is detected, we will discuss treatment options with you and provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that you receive the care you need. Our goal is to provide a confidential, non-judgmental environment where you can feel empowered to take control of your reproductive health. By being proactive and prioritizing your health, you can ensure a safe and healthy future.
Table of Contents
STDs and STIs…
What’s the difference?
The terms STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection) are often used interchangeably, but do you know the difference?
You may have heard the terms “STD” and “STI” used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, while STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. The distinction between the two is that a disease is a condition that causes symptoms, while an infection does not necessarily cause symptoms.
In terms of testing, both STD and STI testing are essentially the same thing. The tests are designed to detect infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, regardless of whether or not the person is experiencing symptoms. At Mosaic Virginia, we offer comprehensive testing for a range of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV.
Hepatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a virus, such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, or by other factors such as alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications. Hepatitis can cause serious damage to the liver and lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or even death if left untreated.
Hepatitis B and C are both viral infections that affect the liver, but they are caused by different viruses. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids, and can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles or receiving a blood transfusion before 1992. If you think you may be at risk for Hepatitis, it is important to let a healthcare professional know and get tested as soon as possible.
STI testing is an essential part of healthcare. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and early detection and treatment can prevent serious health problems down the line. So, whether you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or would rather not even entertain the idea of pregnancy, we are here for you and your reproductive health needs.
A Positive STI Test…
Now What?
If you test positive for an STI, don’t panic. Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that is safe for you — and for your baby if you’re pregnant. We will also provide you with information on how to prevent the transmission of the infection to your partner and how to reduce the risk of passing the infection to your baby during delivery.
At Mosaic Virginia, we understand the importance of comprehensive STI testing during pregnancy. Our team of healthcare professionals is equipped to test for a range of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV. Early detection and treatment of STIs can prevent complications such as preterm labor, stillbirth, and transmission of infection to the baby during delivery.
How can I prevent STI’s?
The best way to prevent STI’s is through abstaining from sexual activities with multiple partners or partners who have had multiple sexual partners. However, we understand this can be difficult to navigate. Practicing safe sex is the next best way to prevent STIs. This means using condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It’s also still important to limit your number of sexual partners and to get tested regularly, as many STIs can be asymptomatic and go undetected for years. Additionally, avoiding drug use and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and genitals regularly, can help reduce your risk of STIs. At Mosaic Virginia, we offer education and resources to help you protect yourself and your partner from STIs.
There are also vaccines available for certain types of STIs. However, it is important that you talk with a healthcare professional so you can be informed of any potential side effects and risk factors for the available vaccines. Currently, there is a vaccine for HPV which can prevent certain types of cancers and genital warts. There is also a vaccine for Hepatitis B. Our healthcare professionals can provide you with more information on STI vaccines and support you as you weigh the pros and cons.
What type of testing is available for STI’s?
At Mosaic Virginia, we offer a variety of STI testing options to meet your needs. There are both urine tests and blood tests for most STIs, as well as swab testing for genital herpes and other infections. Our team will work with you to determine which testing options are most appropriate for your situation.
We also offer confidential and rapid testing for HIV, with results available within 20 minutes. Our healthcare professionals can also provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those who are at high risk for HIV.
What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can affect both men and women, but symptoms are more common in women. Symptoms of trichomoniasis can include itching, burning, and pain during urination or sex, as well as abnormal discharge. However, many people with trichomoniasis may not have any symptoms at all. It is important to get tested regularly for trichomoniasis and other STIs, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. This is why discussing your sexual health and activity with a healthcare provider is vital to your health!
What About Men?
STI screenings, testing, and treatment are also available for men — whether it’s your friend, brother, or partner, you can absolutely tell the men you care about to come to Mosaic Virginia for free STI services.
Want more information about STIs? Check out our counseling options or speak to one of our healthcare professionals. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the resources you need to optimize your health.
Our team at Mosaic Virginia makes testing and treatment approachable and doable. We guide you through the entire process and provide you with the necessary information and support your needs. We understand that life is stressful, and we want to make sure that you have the best possible care and support.
You are not alone in your health journey – we are here to help!
Pregnancy Tests
If you are experiencing early signs of pregnancy and think that you may be pregnant, schedule a free pregnancy test at Mosaic Virginia! We believe that you owe it to yourself to be fully informed, to make the best decisions for yourself. We can help you find the clarity you need to move forward.
STI Testing
At Mosaic Virginia®, we believe that you owe it to yourself to be fully informed, and to make the best decisions for yourself. If you are concerned you may have contracted an STI, we are ready to help with free testing and treatment. Schedule an appointment for free STI testing and treatment.
Ultrasounds
Because few women know the exact day they ovulated or conceived, an ultrasound done in the first trimester of pregnancy has been shown to be the most accurate way to date a pregnancy. Get all the information you need to make a pregnancy decision with a free and confidential ultrasound at our center. Schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment with us to get started.
