Sex & Health
When it comes to making choices about relationships, your lifestyle and sexual activities, you deserve the best. There are a lot of things to consider when having sex. Be informed so you can make the best decision. Not just for today, but for your future.
| Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health challenge in the United States. While substantial progress has been made in preventing, diagnosing, and treating certain STIs in recent years, the Center for Disease Control estimates that 19 million new infections occur each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24. One out of four people have an STI and most women go untreated because they lack obvious symptoms. |
|
 |
Untreated STI
If you have an untreated STI, there is an increased risk with abortion. During an abortion the instruments used must pass through the vagina, through the opened cervix and into the uterus (the cervix is usually closed and provides a barrier to the uterus, preventing infections from entering the uterus easily). This means the instruments carry the infection into the uterus where, if untreated, could cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may result in scaring of the uterus and fallopian tubes, greater risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and infertility. PID may cause only minor signs and symptoms or none at all. Chlamydia commonly lacks signs of infection. PID is a serious infection and requires immediate treatment. Call or come to the VPC to learn more about abortion procedures and risks.
|
