Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. STDs caused by bacteria can be cured by antibiotics. These include:
Some STDs are caused by viruses and cannot be cured. They include:
Hepatitis B English
Hepatitis C English
While many of these diseases cannot be cured, many can be treated to relieve symptoms and help prevent complications. If untreated, STDs can have consequences ranging from mild brief illness to serious complications such as infertility, tubal pregnancy, cancer, stroke, and death. Many STDs are passed to infants from their infected mothers.
STDs are passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal or oral sex, but generally not by kissing. Most STDs cause no symptoms, at first, and persons do not know they are infected until they are tested or complications occur. A person has a much greater chance of catching HIV if he or she already has another STD. Similarly, HIV is more easily transmitted to others if the infected person also has another STD.
Consumer Warning about Nonoxynol-9, or N-9
Many models of condoms are lubricated with solutions containing nonoxynol-9. In this role, it has been promoted as a backup method for pregnancy and prevention in the event of condom failure. However, a 2001 World Health Organization study concluded that:
There is no published scientific evidence that N-9-lubricated condoms provide any additional protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections compared with condoms lubricated with other products. Since adverse effects due to the addition of N-9 to condoms cannot be excluded, such condoms should no longer be promoted.
STD Program Purpose
The STD Control Program strives to reduce the frequency of STDs and their complications, and ultimately to eliminate STD and HIV transmission for our clients.
The STD Control Program undertakes a variety of activities to prevent STDs and their complications. Many of these activities are required by Michigan Law.
Clients desiring testing should make appointments with their family physicians or an urgent care center. People without a health care provider having symptoms of unusual discharge may speak with a clinic nurse regarding appropriate testing and treatment. It is greatly important that treatment for infection and treatment of sexual partners is completed. We also offer a follow-up testing in 90 days if needed. This Agency no longer has a scheduled clinic service.
Pregnant women, adolescents, and males are given priority for testing and treatment. Pregnant women will be referred to their physician, but if they have not yet established service, they will be assessed in consultation with the Medical Director. Efforts will be made to determine eligibility of each client for referrals for health care access and free clinic services.
This program collects STD case/lab reports from health care providers, monitors lab data, and analyzes local trends in STD’s to guide prevention priorities and strategic interventions.
To intervene in the spread of STD and HIV in the community, the STD Control Program offers a partner assistance and referral program and can help notify sex partners of persons with HIV and other selected STDs, offer prevention counseling, and encourage the partner’s examination and/or treatment.
Education and Training
The STD Control Program offers STD education/prevention information for local health care providers, other health care professionals, and selected student groups or public groups as requested.
All information is general and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional exams and advice.
Local Disease Statistics
Information is available for all incidence of reportable diseases as well as other selected statical information for the tri-county area.
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