Sexually Transmitted Disease & HIV Testing

The Scott County Health Department conducts screening and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, otherwise referred to as Sexually Transmitted Diseases [STD's]. HIV testing and counseling is also available. All testing is confidential and free of charge. Appointments are recommended.

GONORRHEA

Slang: "dose", "clap", "drip"

DEFINITION

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is most common in people ages 15 to 30; many of those infected with gonorrhea also have chlamydia. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrheae.

SYMPTOMS:

MALES: Most infected men have symptoms, which can include a milky discharge from the penis and burning sensation upon urination.

FEMALES: Most women have no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is often a vaginal discharge and/or painful urination.

MALE/FEMALE: Rectal: itching, pain and discharge with blood or pus. Oral: sore throat, swollen glands.

TREATMENT:

Curable with antibiotic therapy. If not treated can cause serious health problems.

CHLAMYDIA

Slang: "The Clam", "Gooey Stuff"

DEFINITION

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the country.  It is caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis and is often without symptoms. Chlamydia is frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.

SYMPTOMS:

MALES: Infected men commonly have no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is often a watery or milky discharge from the penis and a burning sensation upon urination.

FEMALES:  Infected women commonly show no symptoms; if symptoms are present, there is most often vaginal discharge and/or bleeding; low abdominal pain and painful urination.

MALE/FEMALE: Rectal: Pain, itching and discharge with blood or pus.

TREATMENT:

Curable with antibiotic therapy. If not treated can cause serious health problems.

SYPHILIS

Slang: "Pox", "Bad Blood"

DEFINITION

A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum that may be transmitted sexually from mother to child before or at the time of birth [congenital syphilis].

SYMPTOMS:

PRIMARY STAGE: Small painless sore where organism enters the body [genital, oral or rectal]; in women the sore may be internal and go unnoticed.

SECONDARY STAGE: Rash that can involve the palms and soles of the feet; swollen lymph glands, fever and painless sores often found in the mouth.

LATENT STAGE: Patient does not have symptoms...stage could last for years.

LATE STAGE: If left untreated can cause damage to the brain, or heart, blindness and/or death.

TREATMENT:

Can be cured with antibiotic therapy.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

Slang: "Has the Package", "HIV"

DEFINITION

A viral disease that can be transmitted sexually, from an infected mother to her infant before or at the time of birth, or through direct exposure to blood, blood products or breast milk. HIV infection causes progressive damage to the immune system resulting in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome [AIDS].

SYMPTOMS:

Usually none for several years after HIV infection, although some people develop flu-like symptoms and a rash shortly after becoming infected.

TREATMENT:

No known cure.  Antiretroviral therapy can delay development of the disease and greatly decrease the chances of transmission from an infected mother to her infant.

**For more information contact the Missouri AIDS Hotline toll free: 1-800-533-2437.