Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (abbreviated STDs) refers to a group of illnesses that can be transmitted from one person to another through the sharing of body fluids, including ejaculate, vaginal fluids, blood, and other fluids. They have a variety of different causes (including bacteria and viruses), they produce a variety of symptoms (or absence of symptoms), and they have very different effects on the body when left untreated.

STDs are transmitted when body fluids from an infected person come into intimate contact with another person. As their name implies, the most common route through which this body fluid sharing occurs is sexual activity. All forms of sexual activity may involve sharing of body fluids. Sexual contacts involving any combination of genitals, anus, fingers and/or mouth can place a person at risk.

Services Offered

  • Physical exam, screening, and treatment of STDs
  • Pre-counseling for HIV testing
  • PrEP services for HIV prevention
  • Professional laboratory staff services
  • Follow-up visits (if required)
  • Education on prevention of STDs
  • Free condoms
  • Hepatitis A/B vaccination
  • HPV Vaccination
  • Referrals (as needed)

Appointments and Hours of Operation

Testing and treatment for STDs is provided by appointments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-in HIV testing and counseling is available without an appointment Monday through Friday, 8am-11.30am and then 1pm to 4.30 pm this will ensure that the CD staff will have their scheduled lunch time. Please contact me if you need further clarification.

Eligibility and Payment Options

HIV testing and counseling is available at no charge and without an appointment. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) services are personalized and pricing is based on different criteria.

In general, services are confidential and parental permission is not needed for STD testing for people under 18 years old.

Our Providers

  • Cheryl Moorefield, FNP
  • Emily Powell, PA-C


The Facts  

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by infections of bacteria or viruses that are passed from one person to another during sexual or intimate contact. These infections often do not cause any symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. That is why STDs are also called "sexually transmitted infections." But it’s very common for people to use the terms "sexually transmitted diseases" or "STDs," even when there are no signs of disease.

You can get an STD by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don't even have to "go all the way" to get an STD, since some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin to skin contact.

STDs are extremely common, especially among young people, and they are difficult to track. More than half of all of us will get one at some point in our lives. Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you would notice, so many people who have an infection go undiagnosed. You can get an STD from having sex with someone who has no symptoms. Just like you, that person might not even know he or she has an STD. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested.

With the exception of viral infections, i.e. Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis, and HIV infection (AIDS), most STDs can be cured. The key to treatment is the word PROMPT, since many STDs, if not immediately treated, can cause serious medical and reproductive problems. 

The good news is we can protect ourselves and each other from STDs. Practicing safer sex allows you to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. And if you've done anything that puts you at risk of infection, getting tested allows you to get any treatments you may need. The Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic helps to assure that the community has access to confidential testing, counseling, and treatment.

Learn more about safer sex ("safe sex").

Barriers - Which Safer Sex Tool is Right for You

Consider testing if you have had unprotected sex, even if you don't have symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed to an infection, testing is a great way to protect your sexual health and the health of your sex partners.

Make an appointment if you have any STD symptoms. These can include burning during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, itching, sores on the genitals, vaginal bleeding or pain with vaginal sex, pain in the lower abdomen, or pain in the testicles. You should also get tested if you are pregnant or if one of your sex partners has been diagnosed with an STD in the past year.

Resources for LGBTQ+ Health

CHA supports and welcomes clients regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex assigned at birth, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex clients. All services are provided in a respectful & professional manner.