Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and HIV Testing Program

Sexually Transmitted Diseases – STDs

STDs are infectious diseases caused by a virus, bacteria, or other microorganisms that are spread from one person who is infected to another through sexual contact. STDs include gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV, Hepatitis, Human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, urethritis, vaginitis caused by trichomonias and yeast, and several other diseases. Without treatment these diseases can lead to serious health problems and even death.

Risk behaviors result in a greater chance of being exposed to these diseases such as multiple sex partners or frequent change of partners, and unprotected sexual contact. Also, use of drugs and alcohol can lead to risky sexual encounters and exposure to STDs. Protect yourself by avoiding these practices. Have sex with only one partner to whom you are committed, or abstain from sex, don’t have sex with persons who engage in risk behaviors, use a condom if you ever have sex with an unfamiliar partner, don’t use alcohol and drugs as they can affect your judgment to protect yourself and others. Very Importantly, refrain from any sexual contact and seek treatment right away if experiencing any symptoms of infection possibly due to an STD.

Sex partners of patients who are diagnosed with an STD should be notified immediately. They are in need of examination and treatment, regardless of whether symptoms of the disease are present. The patient’s sexual partner, who is the source of the infection, needs to be treated. Treatment is needed as well for any sexual partner during the exposure period preceding the onset of symptoms or following, which may result in further spread of disease.

Adolescents and young adults are among those affected greatly by STDs. Education and awareness, abstinence, prevent use of alcohol and drugs or other risk behaviors, vaccination, safe sex practices, screening, early diagnosis and treatment and partner notification all help to reduce this problem. The best protection is to avoid risks and not to be exposed to STDs.

Chlamydia: produces an infection that is similar to gonorrhea. Men may experience a burning sensation and discharge from the penis. However, half of men with this infection may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms, so this infection may be passed to a sex partner unknowingly. Women may also have mild symptoms with this infection, which may be a vaginal discharge. Untreated Chlamydia or gonorrhea infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in lower abdominal pain, fever miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pain, and infertility in women. Infants born to women with Chlamydia or gonorrhea can develop eye infections, blindness, and pneumonia.

Herpes: is a viral disease that produces blister-like sores on the genitals 2 to 14 days after exposure. Sometimes a fever is present. The sores can break open and become painful, but even if the sores disappear the virus is still present and sores reappear periodically. Genital herpes can spread even when there are no sores or signs of disease present. There is no known cure for herpes, but some medications are helpful in treating symptoms. Herpes can spread to an infant during childbirth and cause serious harm and even death to the baby.

Hepatitis A, B & C: is a viral infection characterized by tiredness, loss of appetite and energy, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, inflammation of the liver and abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and dark urine. Hepatitis virus transmission for all three types occurs through close personal contact, Including sexual contact. Hepatitis A is usually spread through food and water contaminated by fecal material of an infected person, and through sexual contact which may also involve this type exposure, such as anal sex contact. Hepatitis B & C are spread through blood exposure which can occur from even slight irritation or tearing of skin during sexual contact. This virus can be spread through shared needles or syringes or other implements to inject drugs. Hepatitis B & C can lead to long term illness including scaring of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure and death.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside of the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. The virus is very common. Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person can possibly have genital HPV. Both men and women can get it – and pass it on – without even realizing it. People can have genital HPV for a very long time before it’s detected.

Most people who become infected with HPV will not develop symptoms or health problems, and will clear the infection on their own. But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in men and women. Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other less common cancers, such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. There is no treatment for genital HPV. There are treatments for the health problems that genital HPV can cause, like genital warts, cervical changes, and cervical cancer.

There is no reason to be tested just to find out if you have genital HPV. However, it is very important for women to get screened for cervical cancer that is caused by genital HPV. Women should get regular Pap tests to check for changes in your cervix. The Pap test is the best way to screen for cervical cancer. Changes that are caught early can be treated before they lead to cancer. If you are 30 or over, or if the result of your Pap test is unclear, a doctor may also give you an HPV test. This test can help the doctor decide what other tests or treatment you should have.

A vaccine is now available to protect against HPV infection and the health problems which can result. The vaccine protects against four types of HPV. Together these four types of HPV cause 7 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer and 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts. It is recommended that all girls should get the vaccine when they are 11 or 12 years old before they become sexually active. Girls and women between 13 and 26 years old are also recommended to have the vaccine. Even if they are sexually active, and may have already been exposed to one or more strains of the virus, the vaccine protects against any strains not previous exposed.

CCDOH Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
and HIV Testing Program

The Columbia County Department of Health offers clinical service for STD testing on a walk-in basis every Tuesday evening from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. A Nurse Practitioner will medically evaluate individuals seeking services. Services that are offered include testing and treatment for gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia, vaccination for hepatitis, HPV vaccination is also available. All services are confidential, simple to complete and no cost.

HIV counseling and testing are also offered on a walk-in basis during the Tuesday evening clinic. Counseling and testing is anonymous, confidential and is also provided free of charge to the general public. Results are provided in-person approximately one (1) week from the original appointment date.

You may consult your physician, or obtain additional information about STDs, clinical examination and treatment through the CCDOH Communicable Disease unit and Clinic Staff at (518) 828-3358.

STD Links:
Additional Websites at CDC & NYSDOH