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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

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STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. They are rather common, with every 1 in 5 people having experienced an STI at least once in their lifetime. Despite their commonality, STIs are completely preventable. Through health education, clinical and partner services, and provider collaboration, our Disease Prevention and Control Program hopes to reduce the rates of STIs within Clay County.

 

 

 

Clinical Services 

Clinical services are provided in strict confidence and are available to anyone who seeks care for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). All clients, including adolescents, are assured confidential STI clinical services by Florida Law. Our Clinic offers a confidential Teen Clinic for individuals under the age of 18 looking for care. Services will not be denied to patients due to inability to pay, immigration/citizenship status, race, religion or sexual orientation. 

 

Clinical services for STIs include:

  • Health history and risk assessment
  • Physical exam
  • STI screenings
  • HIV testing
  • Treatment
  • Counseling
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

 

For more information about PrEP, visit our PrEP/PEP page

Services are provided at our Clinic. Appointments are recommended, however walk-ins are welcome.

Partner Services 

STI field services provide an essential link between clinical care and persons infected and/or at risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) are responsible for facilitating this link.
 
DIS play a critical role in reducing the spread of STIs. DIS offer confidential counseling, testing, and treatment for persons either diagnosed with or exposed to an STI. Clients who are diagnosed with an STI are also offered partner services, which allow for the notification, screening, and treatment of their sex or needle sharing partners. Partner referral services may also be conducted by professional DIS. These services result in greater confidentiality for clients and their partners, as well as providing more effective notification and treatment methods. This service is provided to clients on a voluntary basis and is strictly confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an STI?

An STI is a sexually transmitted infection which passes from person to person through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Some STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.

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2. How do I know if I have an STI?

There is no way to know for sure without being tested. Many STIs don't have obvious symptoms and require a medical professional's diagnosis. STI tests should be a part of your regular check-up. However, if you have any concerns at all that you may have been exposed to an STI, see a doctor or visit our clinic and ask to be tested.

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3. What are the symptoms of STIs?

STIs can be asymptomatic, or not show any signs of infection. However, STIs can still be transmitted from partner to partner even if there are no symptoms. Typical signs of an STI include:

  • Unusual discharge
  • Abdominal pain
  • An unexplained rash
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Bumps, sores, blisters, or warts on the genital area
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, or have been recently exposed to an STI, you should seek care right away.

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4. How can I avoid getting an STI?

  • Mutual monogamy. Have sex with only one other person whom you trust. Having sexual contact only with someone who is not infected means that you won't get an STI from them and they won't get one from you.
  • Use condoms. Condoms provide protection for you and partner during sex.
  • Have fewer partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STI.
  • Get vaccinated. Some STIs have vaccines available that can help prevent infection.
  • Talk with your partner. Have an open conversation about staying safe before having sex.
  • Get tested. Testing for an STI is the only way to know your status.
  • Practice abstinence. Avoiding sex means avoiding STIs.

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5. Are condoms effective against all STIs?

If used correctly every time, condoms can be effective in preventing an STD. If you use a condom every time you have sex, from start to finish, the risk of infection is lowered. Condoms are available at no cost at the Clinic.

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6. Should I get tested for an STI?

According to CDC Screening Recommendations, anyone who is sexually active are recommended to include STI screenings as a part of their routine care. In general, you should have a full STI screening every 3-6 months to know your status. Testing is available at our Clinic for all interested.

 

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7. Can I get an STI more than once?

Yes. You can get bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis more than once, even if you've been treated before. That is why it's important to ensure partners are tested and treated, so you can avoid re-infection.

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8. Can I get an STI from a public toilet?

No. This is a common myth about STIs. There is no evidence suggesting STIs can be transmitted by contact with public toilets; they may only transmit through sexual intercourse and/or intimate skin-to-skin contact.

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