24-Hour Emergency Hotline:4105436996

Notifiable / Reportable Conditions Line:4105436943

MD Relay:8007352258

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Information

 

Phone: (410) 543-6943

Fax: (410) 543-6964

Location: Family Planning Center, William C. Fritz Health Center, 300 West Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 28101

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

GET THE FACTS

Facts:

  • 1 in 2 sexually active teens will contract an STI before the age of 25.
  • Most people with an STI have no symptoms.

 


Wicomico County has the 3rd highest rate of Chlamydia and the 2nd highest rate of Gonorrhea in the state of Maryland. (2018 data) 

 

BACTERIAL or VIRAL – What’s the Difference???

Bacterial

Caused by various sorts of bacteria. Most are curable, such as:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea (some strains)
  • Chlamydia

Viral

Caused by viruses and most are not curable, but may be treatable, such as:

  • Human Papillomavirus
  • Genital herpes
  • HIV/AIDS

Did You Know?

CHLAMYDIA affects about 3 million people in the U.S. each year;

SYPHILLIS is curable, and is most contagious in its early stages;

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has a vaccine called Gardasil® that protects against most of the cervical cancer and genital wart causing cases;

GENITAL HERPES currently has no cure, but is treatable so a patient won’t have as many breakouts;

GONORRHEA is also known as “the clap” and there is 1 strain that is not curable;

If left untreated, STIs can lead to major health problems.

You CAN get HIV from:

  • Dirty needles (IV drug use or tattoo needles)
  • Anal, oral, and vaginal sex
  • Breast milk
  • Semen, vaginal fluids, or any other bodily fluids containing access to the bloodstream
  • Mother to baby

You CANNOT get HIV from:

  • Sitting next to someone with HIV
  • From mosquitoes
  • Donating blood at a blood bank

STI FAQs

FOR TEENS

What is the only way that is 100% guaranteed to prevent STI transmission?

ABSTINENCE

Where can I go to get tested locally?

Wicomico County Health Department

 Family Planning Clinic

William C. Fritz Health Center

300 West Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD 21801

Is testing confidential?

YES! Testing is 100% confidential! However, if your test results come back positive for certain types of STIs including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Herpes, the data will be reported EXCLUDING information such as your name, address, date of birth, etc. so that the person will still remain anonymous.

What are the symptoms of the most common STIs?

Which STIs are curable?

Follow the link labeled “Most Common STIs” to read about the most common STIs and much more! Most Common STI’s

How do people get STIs?

Most STIs are contracted via anal, oral, or vaginal sex. There are some that can be contracted via skin-to-skin contact.

Can you tell if someone has an STI?

NO! You cannot tell if somebody has an STI by the way that they look, how they smell, or by just assuming. Some people may have an odor but it may not be caused by a STI, not everybody gets a rash or looks “sick”, and some people have no symptoms at all.

What can I do to reduce my risks of becoming infected?

It is important to practice good hygiene in washing your hands with soap and water. Also it is important to be safe by using condoms, get educated, avoid having unprotected sex and make wise decisions.

Can I get tested from my home?

YES! You can get tested from home for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis from your home by ordering a testing kit from https://www.iwantthekit.org/ if you are 14 or older. To get tested for HIV and other STIs you must see a clinician. 

What is the average age of “coming out?”

The average age at which people identify as homosexual is 11. 

FOR PARENTS

How can I be open with my teen in talking about sex?

Relax, and answer their questions to the best of your ability.  Always keep the lines of communication open between the two of you.  Talk to your teen in private, and ensure them that you will keep the conversation private.

Where do I get help for my teen?

Any of the trusted online resources can assist you. You can also encourage them to visit the health department’s clinic for expert advice.

STI RESOURCES

Resources for Teens

Resources for Parents


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