These are three common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These diseases are caused by bacterial infections and can lead to a miscarriage or can infect the baby prior to or during delivery.

Women may be tested for these STDs prior to pregnancy or during their first prenatal visit. If a woman engages in high risk activities during her pregnancy, such as unprotected sexual contact, then her doctor may retest for STDs.

The syphilis test is a blood test that detects an antibody produced by the body in response to the infection. It does not distinguish between a current or past infection and, if it is positive, confirmatory testing will be required. A negative test result usually means the woman is not currently infected; however, it is possible that an infection is too new to detect.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests detect the actual bacteria in a cervical (or other body fluid) sample. If they are positive, then the patient has a current STD infection that requires treatment.

Related Pages
Tests: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis
Conditions: STDs