5 Reasons to Take Unusual Pelvic Pain Seriously
It’s easy to brush off pelvic pain — especially when it comes and goes. But your body is trying to tell you something. Knowing when to listen can make all the difference.
Who Should Be Tested for STIs and How Often?
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are incredibly common and completely understandable. Whether you’re in a new relationship, navigating changes in your life, or simply trying to stay on top of your health, it’s normal to feel unsure about when testing is necessary.
At Nile Women’s Health Care, we want you to know this first: There’s no shame in STI testing. It’s a routine, preventive part of women’s health — just like Pap smears or annual exams — and we’re here to make the process comfortable, respectful, and confidential.
Who should be tested for STIs?
STI testing isn’t just for people with symptoms. Many infections don’t cause noticeable signs right away, which is why screening plays such an important role in protecting your health.
You may benefit from testing if you are:
Sexually active and under age 25
Routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended every year for sexually active women under 25. These infections are common and often silent — but easily treated when caught early.
Over age 25 with changing or multiple partners
If you’re 25 or older and have a new partner, more than one partner, or a partner whose STI status you don’t know, testing is still important. We can help determine which screenings make sense for you.
Pregnant or planning pregnancy
STI screening during pregnancy protects both you and your baby. We include appropriate testing as part of our prenatal counseling and care to ensure the healthiest possible start.
Experiencing symptoms — or just unsure
Unusual discharge, pelvic pain, burning with urination, sores, or irritation are all reasons to seek testing. But even without symptoms, if something doesn’t feel right or you simply want reassurance, that’s reason enough to talk with us.
How often should STI testing happen?
There’s no single schedule that fits every woman — and that’s okay. Testing frequency depends on your age, relationships, and personal health history.
In general:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: yearly screened for women under 25 and older women with risk factors
- HIV testing: at least once in adulthood, and more often if risks are ongoing
- Syphilis and hepatitis screening may be advised based on individual circumstances
Our team helps you decide what’s appropriate, not based on assumptions, but on your situation.
What testing looks like — and what it feels like
STI testing is usually simple and quick. Depending on the test, it may involve a urine sample, a vaginal swab, or a blood draw. We explain each step before we begin, answer your questions, and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Our goal is to make sure you leave feeling informed and supported, not rushed or judged.
If a test comes back positive
A positive result can feel scary — but it’s important to know that many STIs are highly treatable, especially when caught early. If treatment is needed, we walk you through the next steps, answer your questions, and help you understand how to protect your health moving forward.
You don’t have to figure any of this out alone.
A safe place to ask honest questions
Taking care of your sexual health is an act of self-respect. Whether you’re due for routine screening, starting a new relationship, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help — with compassion, discretion, and evidence-based care.
At Nile Women’s Health Care, your comfort matters just as much as your health. Call us in Roswell or Johns Creek, Georgia, to talk through your concerns and create a screening plan that feels right for you.
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