Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.
What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses and parasites.
- Of the 8 most common STIs, 4 are currently curable: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. The other 4 are viral infections and are incurable: hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms or disease due to the incurable viral infections can be reduced or modified through treatment.
- Several STIs, in particular HIV and Syphilis, can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, and through blood products or tissue.
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
- EPT provides for the treatment of sex partners of infected individuals. This treatment can be offered without requiring partners to be tested or seen by health care providers.
- All partners of patients who test positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea should be treated as if they are infected.
- For more information on EPT, please click here.
Washington State explicitly allows minors (individuals aged 14 and older) to consent for their own health services for STI screenings and treatment.
Additional sexual health information:
Sexual Health Resources
- Grant County Sexual Health Services
- Education and Resources
- Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) packs
- Washington State Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- County Health Rankings
Questions? Contact GCHD at 509-766-7960