Spring Break travel brings a lot of excitement. But if you returned home to discover a late period, or concern that you may have contracted an STI (sexually transmitted infection), the worry can cause you to spin with questions and stir up anxiety.
Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic is here to help. Read on to learn what you can do if you find yourself in this situation following a Spring Break trip or any other travel with the same concerns.
What do I do if my period is late?
“There are a variety of things that can lead to a late period, especially after traveling or going out of your routine,” says Sarah B., RN, nurse and sonographer at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. “A late period doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re pregnant. The cause can be as simple as stress from being away from home and your normal routine.”
A lack of sleep, change in routine, starting a new medication, or forgetting to take a medication you’re currently taking are all possible causes for a late period. If you have been sexually active and are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, contact Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic to schedule a no-cost appointment. We provide pregnancy testing and STI testing and treatment.
I still think I’m pregnant. What do I do?
Schedule an appointment with us at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. “We offer medical-grade pregnancy testing, which helps remove any uncertainty,” says Sarah. “And if you are pregnant, we can provide information on other services and things we can offer as well.”
Same-day walk-in appointments are also welcome at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic during operating hours. Two Lines is located in Overland Park, KS, at 10901 Granada Lane.
I may have been exposed to an STI, but how can I know for sure?
Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause symptoms so you would not know that you have them. This also means that it is possible to contract an STI from a partner or partners who are unaware themselves that they have an STI. For this reason, if you are having unprotected sex or if you have multiple sexual partners, we recommend getting tested. Unidentified STIs can cause long-term health complications, so getting tested allows you to know whether you need treatment and will take the question mark out of your mind for both you and your partner.
How does STI testing work?
At Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic, we test for three STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both tested through a urine sample, which is sent to a lab where results are determined within a week or less. If your appointment at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic includes a pregnancy test, we can use the same urine sample for both the pregnancy test and the STI tests. If your urine is positive for either chlamydia or gonorrhea, both you and your partner can be treated at our clinic. All services at Two Lines are free of charge.
To test for syphilis, we do a finger stick to draw a few drops of blood, and because we have the technology to test for syphilis at our clinic, we can determine results within 10 minutes. We do not treat syphilis at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic, but we do refer clients to the local health department where they are able to administer treatment.
How soon after potential STI exposure should I get tested?
All STIs have different windows for when infection can be detected after exposure. For the STIs we test for at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis), infection can be determined anywhere from a few days to a week or two.
What are the risks of not getting tested or treated even after exposure to an STI?
Testing is the only definitive way to accurately determine whether you do or do not have an STI. If left untreated, an STI can lead to various health complications, and if you’re pregnant, it can also impact your pregnancy and the health of your baby.
Learn about the most common sexually transmitted infections and the dangers they pose to your health when left untreated here.
I know I should get tested, but I feel nervous or embarrassed.
Privacy and confidentiality are top priorities at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. All personal and medical information remain private between clients and their care team. We understand that the reasons behind a visit to our clinic can cause fear, shame, or embarrassment, and we do everything we can to ensure that you feel safe from the moment you walk through our doors to the moment you leave. A common feeling when facing embarrassment or shame is feeling very alone, but we can assure you that you are not alone. You deserve to be well, and we are here to support you with all the care we can provide with zero judgment.
“Instead of just wondering and worrying, we encourage everyone to just go get tested and find out for sure,” says Sarah. “Testing gives reassurance so you can move forward out of that questioning phase, get more information, and figure out your next step.”
If you’re concerned about possible STI exposure, get the help you need at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic. Schedule an appointment today to take your first step toward clarity and the support you deserve.