Do I Have an STD/STI?

Are you sexually active and worried you may have an STD/STI? Getting tested is essential for protecting your health and preventing further infection or passing to a partner. 

STD Vs. STI

The first difference between STD and STI is in the name. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, whereas STI means sexually transmitted infection. Essentially, the difference is between a disease and an infection.

Not all diseases begin with infections, but many do. Sexually transmitted disease first begin as sexually transmitted infections. Infection occurs with the sexually transmitted bacteria or virus first enters the body and begins multiplying.

Once the sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses have entered the body, the infection may progress into a disease. Disease occurs when this foreign presence officially disrupts the body’s normal functions and processes.

Symptoms of Chlamydia & Gonorrhea 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the nation. This bacterial STD is easily identified with STD testing and can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Though some people don’t experience any symptoms, possible symptoms of Chlamydia include:

For women:

  • An abnormal vaginal discharge; and
  • A burning sensation when peeing.
  • Many have no symptoms.
  • Eye infection

For men:

  • A discharge from their penis;
  • A burning sensation when peeing; and
  • Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (although this is less common).
  • Many have no symptoms.
  • Eye infection

Get tested today to check for Chlamydia at Life Choices FRC. Our STD/STI testing services are at no cost and confidential.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STDthat can typically be treated with antibiotics. With this STD, the bacteria have already started developing resistance to treatment drugs, so treatment will require more follow-up appointments to ensure it’s completely gone. 

Gonorrhea often doesn’t have any symptoms, but some may experience the following symptoms:

For women:

  • Painful or burning sensation when peeing;
  • Increased vaginal discharge; and
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.

For men:

  • A burning sensation when peeing;
  • A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; and
  • Painful or swollen testicles (although this is less common).

If you are sexually active, the CDC recommends getting tested for gonorrhea every year if you are:

  • Younger than 25 years.
  • 25 years and older with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.


Don’t wait to get tested or treated, as Gonorrhea can cause permanent damage, possibly leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Our team at Life Choices FRC also offers no-cost testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

Schedule STD/STI testing today. We are here to help you get the clarity you need to move forward.

*Our center does not perform or refer for abortions*