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What is the most common STD?

May 21, 2016

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the US and it affects both women and men. When left untreated it can cause permanent damage to both female and male reproductive systems.


What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

One of the most dangerous aspects of Chlamydia is that most of the people who have it don’t show any symptoms. Because of this, they often spread the disease without even knowing it. If symptoms do occur, it may be several weeks after sex. Symptoms for women may include abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. For men, they can be a discharge from the penis, burning when urinating and potentially swelling in the testicles.


Who has Chlamydia?

A lot of people. In fact, over 1.4 million cases are reported in the US each year.


How do you get Chlamydia?

Sex. It’s pretty straight forward. Vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has it is how it spreads. Chlamydia is a bacterial disease that lives in the tissues that line the opening of your body – think vagina, urethra, rectum and throat. When these tissues come together, the disease can spread.


Are you at risk?

If you’re having vaginal, oral or anal sex – yes. And young people are at a higher risk.


How can I know if I have Chlamydia?

Again, most people don’t have any symptoms, so the only sure way to know is to get tested. A simple urine test will confirm if you have the disease.


Is there a treatment for Chlamydia?

There is. Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics which will stop the infection. Sometimes this is a one dose prescription, other times it is multiple doses. When prescribed, all medication should be taken to stop the infection.


What happens if I don’t get treated?

Left untreated, Chlamydia can have serious and dangerous consequences. For women it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection in parts of the reproductive system. This can cause abdominal and pelvic pain and potentially an inability to get pregnant or a dangerous ectopic pregnancy. For men, it can cause an infection in the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, causing pain and fever. It has also caused infertility in men, though this is not common.


Chlamydia during pregnancy can also be passed to the baby during delivery. This often results in eye infections or pneumonia for the baby. It can make it more likely you will have an early delivery.


How do you keep from getting Chlamydia?

The only 100% effective way to avoid Chlamydia is not having sexual contact. The second most effective way is to have a mutually monogamous long-term relationship, where both partners are Chlamydia free entering the relationship.



If you’re concerned that you may have Chlamydia or another STD, getting tested is important. In this situation, the more you know the better. Collage provides STD Testing and Treatment for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea at no cost. If you would like to schedule an appointment you can use our contact form of give us a call to set up a time. We’ve even created a video from our nurse to let you know exactly what to expect when you come in for test.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.

Has Nebraska Banned Abortion Completely After the 2024 Election?

January 2, 2025
Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Sharing Your Heart: How to Talk With Your Family When Considering Abortion

December 4, 2024
Sharing the news of an unexpected pregnancy with your family can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, or even guilt—while wondering how your loved ones will react.
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