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.
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a core function of the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County.
Originally called “venereal diseases,” STDs are, to many people, just syphilis and gonorrhea. But today the list of these diseases has expanded to more than just the two well-known ones. Now health care providers must be well-trained in an expanded list that includes:
Specially trained registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners and physicians examine, diagnose, and treat both men and women. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to decrease complications and in many cases obtain a complete cure.
The most common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases are genital burning, itch, and discharge. Whenever symptoms appear that may indicate a sexually transmitted disease, contact your health care provider right away.
If you do not have an established health care provider, you can call the 352-540-6800. Any sexually active person can be seen regardless of age or income.
It is critically important that sexually active men and women protect themselves from diseases by utilizing safer sex methods.
For an appointment to see a health care provider, call either the Brooksville or Spring Hill office at 352-540-6800. Walk-ins are welcomed.