It is possible to pass a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to your child. In fact, the CDC stated that the number of babies born with syphilis was ten times higher in 2022 than ten years ago. They also say timely testing and treatment during pregnancy might have prevented almost 9 out of 10 cases.
Syphilis, as well as other STIs, are on the rise. Whether you are pregnant or not, contact Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic to get tested for STIs as soon as possible. (Please note that if you are pregnant, we can only test for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia at our Clinic.)
How Do I Know If I Have an STI?
One of the reasons people do not get tested regularly is because many STIs are asymptomatic. That means you won’t experience any symptoms immediately.
Because many healthcare providers don’t automatically test for them, you may not think to request STI testing. However, this is an important step for your health if you are sexually active.
If you do have symptoms, you might experience some of the following:
- Painful urination
- Discharge
- Itching or irritation
- Pain during sex
- Fever
- Small red bumps, blisters, or open sores
Which STIs Can Pass to My Child?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some STIs, such as syphilis, cross the placenta and infect the baby in the uterus.
Others, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes, can pass from the mother to the baby during delivery. HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the baby during delivery.
An STI during pregnancy can cause premature labor and an infection in the uterus after birth.
Can Mosaic Test and Treat an STI?
We offer low-cost testing and treatment for several STIs at our clinic.
Both women and men can receive testing for the following:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Trich
Women can also receive testing for bacterial vaginosis.
*If you are pregnant, you can be tested at our center for gonorrhea and chlamydia only.
We treat both women and men for gonorrhea at the clinic. We can call in a prescription to your pharmacy for treatment of chlamydia or trichomonas. We will refer you to your private physician or the Leon County Health Department for treatment if you have a positive HIV or syphilis test at our clinic.
Left untreated, some infections can cause irreversible damage to your reproductive system, which can lead to a high-risk pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, sterility, or other long-term complications.
Contact Mosaic Sexual Health Clinic for low-cost testing. We promise to keep your visit and your test results confidential. Make your appointment today.
*Note: If you are planning to continue pregnancy, your OB will test you for STIs as a part of your prenatal care. However, if you are considering abortion and do not plan to become established with an OB, it is still important to be tested for STIs prior to a procedure.