Sexually Transmitted Infections

Screening for sexually transmitted infections prioritizes your health

Live Oak Women’s Health prides itself on caring for your reproductive health. We offer screening for sexually transmitted infections, with compassionate and convenient STI testing in San Antonio.

Our OBGYNs understand testing often triggers worries. Understandably, you might have concerns for yourself or your partner, or you may be reluctant to mention symptoms to a doctor. Our providers routinely offer this testing and know how important it is because you could otherwise have an infection and not know it.

Treating sexually transmitted infections early is important

STIs, formerly called sexually transmitted diseases, are contagious conditions spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Bacteria or viruses cause these common infections, affecting about 1 in 5 people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger people ages 15 to 24 account for almost half of new infections.

Some infections cause symptoms such as burning or itching in your genital area. But other infections, such as human papillomavirus, also called HPV, are common and often have no symptoms. If left untreated, these infections can cause long-term health problems and affect fertility. Common infections we test for include HPV, HIV (also called human immunodeficiency virus), genital herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.

It’s important to be proactive if you are concerned you might have an infection. When diagnosed early, sexually transmitted infections are often quite treatable, which is why our highly trained OBGYNs offer STI testing in San Antonio as part of regular exams. The CDC has established testing recommendations for those at higher risk of infection.

  • Sexually active women younger than 25 should be tested yearly for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  • Women older than 25 who have multiple sexual partners, new partners or a partner with an infection should be tested yearly for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
  • Women who are pregnant should be tested early in pregnancy for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • Anyone who injects drugs or has a partner who injects drugs should test for HIV yearly.
  • Everyone 13 to 64 years old should be tested at least once for HIV.

The testing process is generally quick and painless. It can involve a physical exam, followed by taking a sample of bodily fluid or a Pap smear for evaluation. So instead of a single test, we conduct a group of tests to check for different infections.

Protect yourself from STIs

As your trusted medical partner, Live Oak Women’s Health wants to empower patients to prevent sexually transmitted infections. There are many ways to do this.

  • Know your sexual partner(s) and their history. The more partners you have, the higher the risk for infection.
  • Use a condom.
  • Ask about vaccines to protect against HPV and HIV.

If you are concerned you might have a sexually transmitted infection, don’t wait to contact us. Our team of OBGYNs offers STI testing in San Antonio to keep you healthy, and identifying sexually transmitted infections early gives us the best chance to treat them.