Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection.

• It’s spread through oral, anal and/orvaginal sex.
• Most people do not have symptoms.
• Sometimes there is an unusual discharge from the penis or vagina and/or a burning sensation while urinating.
  
  Chlamydia continued
• Testing involves urine collection, as well as oral, vaginal, or anal swab. Infection isnot always found in urine, so we test these additional areas where infection may be present.
• It’s treated with oral antibiotics.
• Once treated, you can get chlamydia again if your sex partners are not tested and treated.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection.

• It is spread through oral, anal and/or vaginal sex.
• It infects the reproductive tract and can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
• Most people do not have symptoms.
• People with penises may experience painful urination, discharge, or no symptoms at all.
• People with vaginas often mistake symptoms for a bladder or vaginal infection.
• Oral and rectal infections are also typically asymptomatic. Rectal infections may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding or painful bowel movements. Oral infections may include a sore throat.
• Testing involves urine collection, as well asan oral swab and an anal swab. Infection isnot always found in urine, so we test these additional areas where infection maybe present.
• It may be treated with oral and/or injectable antibiotics.
• Once treated, you can get gonorrhea again if your sex partners are not tested and treated.

HIV

• HIV is most commonly spread through vaginal sex, anal sex, and sharing needles and syringes used to inject drugs.
• Testing includes a 20-minute rapid antibody test or blood draw.
• If test results indicate you do have HIV, the providers at CHIP will offer
  assistance and work with you to find the best treatment for you.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health complications. There are four stages (primary, secondary, latent and tertiary) that syphilis will progress through if left untreated.

• It’s spread through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Syphilis can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with a primary sore.
• The primary stage has one symptom—a small, painless primary sore that many donot notice.
• The secondary stage includes a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever and/or hairloss. Not everyone experiencessecondary symptoms.
• The latent stage does not have symptoms and the tertiary stage of syphilis is linked to severe medical problems including neurologic (brain and nerve) problems, eye problems and even blindness.
• Syphilis is detected through a blood test. Treatment includes injection(s) of penicillin. The number of injections required to treat the infection (1 to 3) is determined by the stage you are in when you’re examined by your provider.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. It can be caused by viruses (most commonly Hepatitis A, B, C) or other factors. If you test positive for hepatitis, we will connect you with a specialist who can manage your care.

• Hepatitis A is spread through close personal contact with a person living with Hepatitis A or through contaminated food or drinks.
• Hepatitis B is spread by exposure to the blood, semen, or other bodily fluids of someone who is living with Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C passes from one person to another through contact with blood containing the virus by exposure to theblood of someone who is infected.
• Symptoms for hepatitis A and B include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain and jaundice.
• Hepatitis C initially may not cause symptoms. However, if symptoms occur, they are often a sign of advanced liver disease.
• Getting the hepatitis A and B vaccines arethe best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B.
• There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is a cure.

Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

There are many infections that can be spread with intimate contact with others. Ask us about testing for other STIs like herpes or HPV. These tests can be done by blood and examination.

• Herpes is extremely common and there is no cure; however, the infection can be managed through the use of medication.
• HPV is also common. We can connect you to other medical providers that can assist you.