STDs that Impact Abortion
If you have scheduled or are considering an abortion, it is important to get tested beforehand for two STDs that can pose a risk during the procedure. Why? Because women who have an untreated STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea are up to 23% more likely to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) following an abortion procedure30.
Chlamydia31
The most common bacterial STD in the U.S. is chlamydia, and it is nearly symptom-free in 85% of women. When it progresses to display symptoms, women might experience a noticeable discharge, a foul vaginal odor, bleeding after having sex, or irregular monthly bleeding. Because chlamydia primarily affects a woman’s cervix (the lowest region of the uterus that attaches the uterus, or womb, to the vagina), serious complications of going undetected can include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs); ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy (a pregnancy that is growing outside of the uterus); and even infertility. If you are pregnant and have chlamydia at the time of delivery, it can cause an eye infection in your baby. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea32
Gonorrhea is another common and easily treated STD, but it can be symptom-free, as well. When symptoms do appear, they resemble those of chlamydia for women, but may also include itching and abdominal pain. In men, symptoms usually consist of burning during urination and/or a yellow discharge. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to a chronic liver disease call Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, as well as PID, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics.