Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) can be passed on from one person to another during sexual contact. They are caused by a variety of organism including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites. Some of the most common STDs/STIs include syphilis, chlamydia, genital warts, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
STDs/STIs can lead to psychological and physical discomfort and severe complications such as infertility, premature births, blindness, and even death.
Many STDs/STIs do not have any symptoms. As a result, many infections are transmitted unknowingly to others and often go unreported.
Some of the common symptoms of STDs/STIs in males and females include:
- Sores, bumps, or blisters near genitals or mouth
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Slight sore throat
- Fever, chills, achy feeling
- Rectal itching, pain
- Discharge from the penis, vagina or rectum.
If you have symptoms of an STD/STI or suspect you may have been exposed, please visit the Major County Health Department or your physician's office.
In order to eliminate and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, the Major County Health Department provides free confidential testing, evaluation, health education, and treatment for the following STDs:
The Major County Health Department provides confidential testing and referral services at no charge for HIV, through our STD and Family Planning Clinics. Treatment is not provided for HIV.
The Major County Health Department also performs visual examination, health education, and referral services at no charge for the following STDs:
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Genital warts
- Genital herpes
Testing is always confidential.
No fee charged for STD/STI services.
"Brown Bags" with condoms are available at any time, just ask at the front desk.
STD/STI services are available on a walk in basis:
Monday through Thursday 8 am to 4 pm; office closed daily for lunch.
A: No. STDs/STIs are transmitted during sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact.
Q: How are STD/STI spread?
A: You can get an STD by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don't even have to "go all the way" (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD, since some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Q: How common are STDs?
A: STDs are common, especially among young people. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States, and about half of these are in people between the ages of 15 and 24
Q: How is STD testing done?
A: You will meet with a registered nurse to discuss several things and gather information. Samples will be taken and sent to a lab for testing. Depending on the type of STD/STI samples for males are urine or blood, female samples are collected through a vaginal swab or blood.
Q: How long will lab results take to return?
A: Lab results are usually returned 7 to 10 days after your visit. Only clients with POSITVE results will be called back for treatment. If you haven't heard from the nurse after 10 days, call the office with your password for your results.