Why should I get an STD/STI test before I have an abortion?

At A Woman’s Concern, we provide testing and help access treatment for two sexually transmitted diseases—chlamydia and gonorrhea. In accordance with the PA Department of Health and following CDC guidelines, we are currently providing this free service for patients who come to our center.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are prevalent in southeast and south central Pennsylvania. It is important that pregnant women who come to our center know if they have one of these infections, particularly if they are considering having an abortion.

Here’s why—chlamydia and gonorrhea are dangerous even if they remain outside the body. However, during an abortion procedure (as well as during childbirth, the insertion of an IUD, or other circumstances), infected cells can be carried from the vaginal opening up inside the uterus and can cause a second condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

PID can lead to serious complications including:

• infertility,
• ectopic pregnancy,
• abscess formation,
• and chronic pelvic pain.

In order to help prevent PID, it is important to be tested and treated for chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially before having an abortion.