St. Louis

While walk-ins may be possible, scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time. You are always welcome.

ThriVe provides all our services at no or low cost.

We ask that you bring a photo ID to your visit. You don’t need an insurance card to receive our no-cost services.

STD testing, or sexually transmitted disease testing (also called STI testing, or sexually transmitted infection), is a way to check for infections that are spread through sexual contact. It’s important to be tested because many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you might have an infection without showing any signs or symptoms. 

Left untreated, these infections can lead to severe health problems and even affect your reproductive health. And if you’re considering an abortion, knowing your STD status is crucial because STDs can cause further complications or affect your overall health.1 

Read more about STDs in this blog! What Does STDs Stand For? | ThriVe+

People often use the terms STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection) interchangeably. But an STI is an infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite you receive through sexual contact with an infected person. It’s possible for the infected person to not show symptoms (and not know they are carrying it). When someone with an STI begins to show symptoms and disease, it’s considered an STD.2

Have more questions about STDs and STIs? Check out these articles!

FAQs About STDs | ThriVe+

STD vs STI: Clearing Up the Confusion Around Sexually Transmitted Infections – Thrive+

There are over a dozen known STDs, but the most common are:

Chlamydia: A bacterial infection of the genital tract that can affect both women and men. 

Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that causes disease symptoms in women’s genital tracts. It can also cause symptoms in male and female rectums as well as orally in the throat and mouth. 

Trichomoniasis: An infection caused by a microscopic parasite. It often affects the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra (where urine exits the body).

Herpes: A viral infection that often causes sores in the genital area, rectum, and mouth. Like many other STDs, this infection can be present without symptoms. 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A viral infection that presents in both early and late stages. Early symptoms may las a few days or weeks, and may not reappear for many years. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can affect a woman’s cervix and may cause warts in the genital and rectal areas, mouth, or throat. 

Syphilis: A bacterial infection that occurs in three stages. It first affects the area where the germs entered (usually the genital, mouth, or rectal area) and later on may affect the brain and heart. 

And although it’s not an STD, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that’s more common in women who are sexually active.(3), (4) STD testing St Louis can help you identify infections early and get the treatment you need.

It’s important to note that a person can have an STI without showing symptoms! But here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

-abdominal pain in the lower region

-discharge from the penis

-pain or burning sensation while urinating

-rash on the abdomen, hands, or feet

-sex becomes painful

-sores or bumps in the genital, oral, or rectal area

-vaginal bleeding that is new or uncommon

-vaginal discharge with foul odor(3)

Read more about this here. Should I Get A Same Day STI Test? | ThriVe+

If the screening shows a positive STD test result, make sure to follow your medical provider’s guidance. They will discuss treatment options with you, which may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other therapies, depending on the infection. Make sure to let sexual partners know, so that they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary. Remember that having an STD doesn’t make you a bad person; these infections can affect anyone who is sexually active. Seeking STD treatment St Louis is responsible and helps protect your health and future.(6)

The CDC recommends STI testing for all pregnant people.5 STI testing and treatment is important regardless of your choice about the future of the pregnancy. If you’re considering abortion, STD testing and treatment can help prevent the possibility of further infection and complications (like pelvic inflammatory disease).7 Testing should be performed before taking the abortion pill or having a surgical abortion. STD testing is part of our no-cost pre-abortion screening.

Have more questions? Check out this article.

If left untreated, STIs can have serious consequences. Here are a few examples:

– Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. In men, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, which can affect fertility. Get answers with STD testing St Louis.

– HIV: Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition that severely weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.  

– Herpes: Herpes is a disease that can cause painful outbreaks and increase the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

– HPV: Some strains of HPV can lead to genital warts and an increased risk of cervical cancer in women. 

– Syphilis: Untreated syphilis can progress through various stages and affect multiple organs, including the heart and brain. Late-stage syphilis can be life-threatening.

Getting tested early, and especially avoiding sexual behavior, can prevent these complications. Come see us at a no-cost appointment for STD testing St Louis.(3)

You can get STD testing done at various healthcare facilities like ThriVe. It’s essential to know that STI testing is confidential. Medical professionals keep your information private except in the following instances: if you are homicidal, suicidal, under age and being abused, or abusing someone else. In cases such as these, we are required by state law to report such instances. Here at ThriVe, we’re non-judgmental and here to help you — never make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You should always be treated with respect. 

Read more about this here

The most effective way to prevent STDs is to delay having sex.4 This means choosing not to engage in any form of sexual contact until you are ready for a committed monogamous relationship. 

Limiting sexual partners can reduce the risk of STD transmission, but delaying sex until you’re with a committed, exclusive, long-term partner is the only foolproof way to prevent STDs. It’s an option that many people choose, especially when they want to prioritize their health and avoid the potential consequences of STDs. It’s important to remember that you have the right to make decisions about your own body and sexual activity that align with your values and beliefs.

Read more about this here.