Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the clinical practice of treating the sex partners of patients diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonias by providing prescriptions or medications to the patient to take to his/her partner without the health care provider first examining the partner. For more information.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common condition caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, which upsets the normal healthy balance. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Chlamydia is a common STI caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Gonorrhea is a common STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It infects warm, moist areas of the body including genitals, rectum and throat. It spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex or from an infected mother to a baby during childbirth. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI. While most types of HPV do not cause any health problems, some types can cause genital warts and cancers. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and is available through our Immunization program. SCHD does not perform routine HPV testing. HPV tests are used for detecting cancer-causing types of HPV infection and are only ordered as part of cervical cancer screening (pap smear) and management or follow-up of abnormal screening results. Treatment of genital warts caused by HPV is available. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection. SCHD offers testing and information on where to receive treatment for Hepatitis B. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It spreads primarily through contact with infected blood. SCHD offers testing and information on where to receive treatment for Hepatitis C. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

HIV is a virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body cannot fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS. SCHD offers testing and information on where to receive treatment for HIV. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

Syphilis is a common, curable bacterial infection spread by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is caused by a germ called Treponema pallidum. Without treatment, syphilis can damage the heart, brain or other organs. It can become life threatening. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing, and diagnosis.

Trichomoniasis, often called "trich," is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite named Trichomonas vaginalis. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.

A yeast infection is a common fungal overgrowth, usually caused by Candida. For more information regarding symptoms, prevention, testing and diagnosis.