We Test and treat

• Chlamydia A common bacterial STI that can infect men or women. Symptoms are usually mild but can result in complications later. Untreated chlamydia infections can progress into pelvic inflammatory disease in women. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

• Gonorrhea A bacterial STI sometimes called “the clap.” Gonorrhea can infect the urinary tract, vagina, rectum or the throat. Some people who get the disease display no symptoms. But when symptoms are present, they can include vaginal or penile discharge or bleeding, painful urination, anal itching or painful bowel movements, blood or mucus in the feces, or a sore throat. Gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection is treatable with antibiotics.

• Herpes Genital herpes is a common STI that is caused by a virus. Most people who carry the virus don’t have symptoms, but even without symptoms, the virus can be spread to sexual partners. There is no cure, but medicine is available to shorten the duration of outbreaks.

• HIV At our STI clinic, we can provide a free, quick-result HIV test for anyone who requests one. Should you test positive with that test, we will make arrangements for you to have a confirmatory test done in our primary care clinic and work with you from there to manage the results.

• Syphilis An STI caused by bacteria that enters the body through skin during sex or close physical contact with an infected person. The first symptom is a red, painless ulcer – a chancre – on the penis or just inside the vagina or rectum. The chancre will emit a clear fluid for 3 to 8 weeks and then heal, but you are still able to infect others. Secondary or tertiary syphilis happens after the bacteria spreads throughout the body. Symptoms then include fever, joint pain, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, eye issues, or a copper-colored rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Eventually, the disease can attack the brain or heart and be fatal. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

• Urinary tract issues Infections of the urinary tract can also cause pain, irritation, and itching. Usually treated with antibiotics.

• Vaginitis A medical term that refers to any type inflammation or infection of the vagina. There can be multiple causes but it is treatable.