STD and HIV Testing and Counseling

The Health Department provides confidential testing

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhea

• HIV/AIDS

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis C

Once a diagnosis has been made the Health Department will either refer, treat, or counsel the patient based on the diagnosis.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Kansas.  Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the United States and in Kansas.  STD morbidity is driven by very complex social conditions, including poverty, racism, substance abuse, crime, family disruption, and media influences.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection affecting the urinary and reproductive organs.  If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems.  Symptoms of Chlamydia may take up to 3 weeks to appear.  Some symptoms may include burning sensation when urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods.  Approximately 75% of all women infected with Chlamydia show no symptoms and may not seek testing or treatment.

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can infect the urinary and reproductive tracts.  It often results in painful urination and thick discharge from the reproductive organs.  If left untreated it can lead to serious complications.  It is estimated that approximately 700,000 cases occur each year in the United States.  Many people have gonorrhea and do not even know it.

HIV/AIDS AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for Americans between the ages of 25 and 44, according to the CDC.  AIDS is caused by HIV, which gradually destroys the body's ability to fight infections.  As a result, people with AIDS are at risk for many potentially serious illnesses.  HIV lives in certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.  Symptoms of HIV may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, and weight loss. 

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that enters the body through direct contact with a syphilis sore.  Once inside the body, syphilis enters the bloodstream and may damage vital organs.  During the primary stage of syphilis a single, painless sore appears at the site of sexual contact.  The second stage may appear as a rash, swollen lymph glands and sore throat, which usually occurs about 6-12 weeks after infection.  During the final stage symptoms may disappear but the bacterium may still damage the heart, or cause paralysis, dementia, or even death if left untreated.

The safest way to prevent contracting any of these diseases is practicing safe sex.  If you believe you may have been exposed call the Health Department to schedule testing.