Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

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Most STDS Are Curable, All Are Treatable

Klamath County Public Health provides testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Services provided at KCPH are confidential and nonjudgmental. We will not give any information about your visit to anyone but you. Call 541-882-8846 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions about services at KCPH. 

On September 26, 2017, the CDC issued a statement that STDs were at a record high.  Klamath County, Oregon has also seen increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis over the past five years. 

The good news is that STD are preventable. Here are some steps you can take to keep yourself and your partner(s) healthy: 

Practice Abstinence: The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral)

Have Fewer Partners: Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

Mutual Monogamy: This means you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active with only you.  Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

Condoms: Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. But it is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention. Know your CONDOM DOs & DON'Ts. The Right Way to Use a Male Condom.

Talk with Your Partner: Talk with your sex partner(s) about STDs and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility.

Testing is available for:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomonas
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  • BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) 
  • Herpes Type I
  • Herpes Type II

Resources

How to prevent STDs

Chlamydia fact sheet (in Spanish)

Gonorrhea fact sheet (in Spanish)

Syphilis (in Spanish)

STD Risk and Oral Sex

STDs During Pregnancy

Congenital Syphilis