Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Your Pregnancy

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy.
Stay Safe. Stay Protected. Stay Informed.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and
Your Pregnancy

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy.
Stay Safe. Stay Protected. Stay Informed.

I’m pregnant. Can I get an STD?

Pregnancy does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) or sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). You can and should be tested for STD’s or STI’s during your pregnancy, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms or you think your partner may be infected. Sometimes, however, STD’s do not show symptoms, so it’s best to use caution and get tested just in case.

Contracting an STD is never safe, but it especially complicates things when contracted during a pregnancy. There is a risk that certain infections can be passed on to the developing baby. Choices offers real, confidential healthcare. Our staff is ready and waiting to assist you in learning more or getting tested. For more information about STD’s and STI’s, visit our most recent blog post here.

STD FAQ’s

Am I at risk?

Yes, if you are or have been sexually active with one or more partners. In fact, 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by the time they are 25. Remember, depending on the number of partners you both have had, you aren’t just having sex with each other, you are potentially carrying and passing multiple partner germs amongst each other. Get tested. Call your closest Choices center to schedule an appointment.

How many people have STDs?

The Centers for Disease Control state that there are 110 million cases in the United States — and 20 million new cases each year!

How do I know if I have an STD?

Many STDs don’t have symptoms. If you are sexually active, get tested. Choices offers affordable, confidential testing from medical professionals. If you do test positive for an STD we can write you a prescription for the appropriate medication. Call your closest Choices center to schedule an appointment.

Are STDs dangerous and can they be treated?

Most can be treated if caught early. However, left untreated, STDs pose a variety of risks including infertility, cancer, liver damage, etc.

What are the most common STDs?

There are more than 25 different types of STDs — here are some of the more common ones:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
HIV/AIDS
Syphilis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Herpes
Hepatitis
Trichomoniasis
HPV

How can I protect myself from STDs?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, refraining from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy.