STD Testing
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). One out of four Americans will get an STI in their lifetime.
You are at a higher risk if you:
- have sex with an infected partner
- have more than one sexual partner
- change partners often
- have sex with someone who has had many sexual partners
Most STIs are curable and all are treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs is very important, and so is talking with your partner. STI testing, treatment, and counseling is available at Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa. Protect yourself and your partner - call the clinic nearest you to make an appointment or request an appointment online to get tested.
For more information on specific STIs and treatment, click here.
STD verses STI
Diseases that are spread through sexual contact are usually referred to as "sexually transmitted diseases" - STDs for short. However, many experts have suggested replacing "STD" with a new term - "sexually transmitted infection," or STI.
Why? The concept of "disease," as in STD, implies a clear medical problem, usually some obvious signs or symptoms. But in truth, several of the most common STDs have very mild or no signs or symptoms in the majority of persons infected. So the sexually transmitted virus or bacteria can be described as creating "infection," which may or may not result in "disease." This is true of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few.
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