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What is STI/STD?

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s/STD’s) are infections that are acquired through unprotected sexual contact, via bodily fluids or even skin-to-skin contact. 
• STI’s may be contracted through oral, vaginal, anal sex, and sometimes by genital touching.
• Some STI’s can be passed to infants through childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Untreated STI’s may lead to serious long-term health consequences, especially for young woman.
• There are about 20 million new STI infections in the United Sates each year.
• Half of all new STI infections are among young people ages 15-24.

Most Common STDs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a treatable STD (sexually transmitted disease) among men and women that affects the female reproductive system, making it impossible or difficult to get pregnant. It may also cause ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus). The mother can also transmit the infection to the baby during childbirth. Most people don't know they are infected with chlamydia since it often has no symptoms. Sexually active (vaginal, anal or oral sex) young women (under 25 years old) are at higher risk. The same is true for older women with multiple sex partners or with a partner diagnosed with STD. We encourage you to get tested for chlamydia every year.

Treatment For Chlamydia

Azithromycin and/or Doxycycline antibiotics cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex until the infection is gone after seven days. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor for chlamydia testing at your first prenatal visit. Central Outreach Wellness Center offers Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) as an effective treatment for preventing chlamydia.

HPV (Human papillomavirus)

HPV is the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) in the United States. In the majority of cases, HPV naturally clears from the body within a span of two years without causing any associated health issues. However, it can also cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and certain cancers such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and cancer in the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer).

HPV Treatment

There is no cure for HPV. But there is a vaccine available (Gardasil 9) in a three-dose series of shots. Call us at Central Outreach Wellness Center or schedule a visit in any of our six locations near you to ask for HPV Treatment. COWC has four clinics in Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Washington, Aliquippa & Erie) and two in Ohio (Cleveland Heights and Columbus).

Herpes/ Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes causes recurring bumps, painful blisters/cold sores or ulcers/open sores on or around the genitals, rectum, eyes or mouth. Most people with herpes don’t even know it.

Herpes Treatment

There is no cure for herpes – the virus stays in the body and may cause recurrent outbreaks. But herpes is treatable. Medications such as Acyclovir can help treat symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and reduce the likelihood of spreading it to sex partners.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the second most-commonly reported STD in the United States, infecting the genital tract, rectum, mouth, throat and eyes (on babies infected during childbirth). It commonly affects young people ages 15-24. But many infections are asymptomatic and the actual number of cases might be higher.

Treatment for Gonorrhea

Azithromycin and an injection of Ceftriaxone antibiotics cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex until the infection is gone after seven days

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI that develops into four stages (primary, secondary, latent and tertiary) and can cause serious health problems when left untreated. It starts with sores and rashes in, on, or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum and lips or in the mouth.

Treatment for Syphilis

Bicillin antibiotic injection treatment can cure syphilis, but medication can’t cure the damage that was already done. Both partners must be treated and avoid sexual contact until the sores are completely healed after seven days. One or three injections are required, depending on how long syphilis has been in the body. If you are pregnant, please ask for syphilis testing at your first prenatal visit. Sometimes syphilis testing should be repeated again during the third trimester (at 28 weeks) and at delivery. If you test positive, receive treatment right away. Congenital syphilis highly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or death of the baby within a few days after birth.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a commonly curable STD caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. In women, it can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, itching, and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis rarely have symptoms. Trich can cause genital inflammation, making it easier to get or transmit HIV to a sex partner.

Treatment for Trichomoniasis

Metronidazole can cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex for seven days after treatment.

Hepatitis A / Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

Hepatitis A is a very contagious but vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can be transmitted through eating contaminated food and drinks. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted sexually when a partner’s sexual fluids mix with infected fecal matter, most commonly during oral-anal contact.

Treatment for Hepatitis A

There is no cure for HAV, but there is a vaccine available at Central Outreach clinics to protect you from getting HAV. The most effective way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B / Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by Hepatitis B Virus. It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen, and can also be passed from the mother to her baby at childbirth.

Treatment for Hepatitis B

There is no cure for HBV, but there is a vaccine available at Central Outreach clinics in Pennsylvania and Ohio to protect you from getting HBV. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. GSK's (GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals) Bepirovirsen is a promising new treatment for Hepatitis B. The Phase II clinical trial in June 2022 showed very promising results, and the Phase III trial is due to end in 2025.

Hepatitis C / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver, causing inflammation. The majority become infected by sharing needles, syringes or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. Hep C can lead to both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from mild, short-term illness to serious, lifelong health infection such as the development of liver cirrhosis and even cancer. Many people with hepatitis C don't know they have it because symptoms can take decades to appear.

Hepatitis C Treatment

HCV is the only Viral Hepatitis that can be CURED. Antiviral medications can cure HCV in 8-12 weeks. Unfortunately, there are NO vaccines available to protect you from getting HCV.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV is a virus that specifically attacks the body’s immune system. Without proper treatment, it can lead to AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is important to remember that once individuals contract HIV, the virus remains in their system and they have it for life.

HIV Treatment

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS but anti-retroviral treatment (ART) can slow the progression of HIV disease and delay the onset of AIDs. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve a person’s chances of living a longer, healthier life. With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.