STIs or STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are usually passed through sexual contact with an infected partner. They include many diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis, syphilis, and others.
STDs are widespread – more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. are infected each year. Having a STI can make you more likely to get HIV.
Talk about your testing needs with your health care provider.
Get Tested
Protect yourself and get tested right away if you think you have any symptoms, or think you’ve been exposed to an STD. Many STDs don’t have any symptoms, especially in women. We offer low or no-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County provides STD testing, treatment, and education. These services are provided on a sliding fee scale determined by income and is strictly confidential.
Testing and treatment is provided to protect sex partners and unborn children from the serious effects that may result from untreated syphilis, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Services and in formation are confidential.
Did You Know?
- STDs affect people of all races, ages, and sexual orientations.
- STDs cost the U.S. health care system $17 billion every year and cost individuals even more.
- Less than half of people who should be screened receive recommended STD screening services.
- Each year, untreated STDs cause at least 24,000 women in the U.S. to become infertile.
The Florida Department of Health’s 3T’s to Prevent the Spread of STDs
- Talk: Talk to your partner and your health care provider about risk factors, safer sex methods, and testing
- Test: Make an appointment for STD testing
- Treat: Treat the disease and avoid additional health problems