Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Health Advisory: Syphilis, Gonorrhea and HIV Diagnoses Increasing in Capital District Region
- Health Care Provider Alert: Sexually Transmitted Hepatitis A among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
- Health Advisory Update: Continuted Shortage of Bicillin L-A® and Procaine Penicillin G
The term sexually transmitted disease is used to cover the more than 25-30 infectious organisms that are spread through sexual activity. STDs are almost always spread from person to person by sexual activity. These infections are most easily spread by vaginal or anal intercourse, and sometimes by oral sex. Some STDs can also be spread through blood, particularly among intravenous (IV) drug users who may be sharing drug equipment (needles, syringes, or "works"). In addition, pregnant women with STDs may pass their infection to infants in the uterus (womb), during birth, or through breast-feeding.
Most people with STDs have no symptoms. Without treatment these diseases can lead to major health problems such as not being able to get pregnant (infertility), permanent brain damage, heart disease, cancer, and even death. If you think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you and your sex partner(s) should visit a health clinic, hospital or doctor for testing and treatment.
Where to Go for STD Screening and Treatment
Many local and county health departments have clinics where you can get tested and treated for STDs. Some clinics are free, at others, you may have to pay to get STD testing and treatment. The STD Clinics in New York State page contains links to contact information for STD clinics organized by county. You also can call the National STD hotline (1-800-232-4636) to find a clinic near you.
Your doctor or health care provider may also do STD testing and treatment. See your doctor or health care provider right away if you have symptoms. If you do not have a doctor or health care provider and need to get tested right away, go to a local Urgent Care center, walk in clinic or hospital emergency room.
Information on STDs
- More information on specific STDs and their prevention, symptoms and treatment
- Information on Partner Services
- Information on Expedited Partner Therapy
Internet Resources
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention - CDC
- Iwannaknow.org - Information About Teen Sexual Health and STDs
- American Sexual Health Association
- Hepatitis Information (NYSDOH)
- HIV/AIDS Information (NYSDOH)
Provider Resources
- Provider Advisories and Alerts for Health Care Providers
- Letter to Clinical Providers - Minor Consent for HPV Vaccination & HIV Treatment and Prevention (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions - STD Billing (LHDs), Minor's Consent to Prevention Services & Minor's Consent to HIV-related Services (PDF)
Clinician Reporting Procedures
Treatment and Laboratory Guidelines
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, June 5 2015 MMWR
- Update: Oral Cephalosporins No Longer a Recommended Treatment for Gonococcal Infections
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) (August 10, 2012)
- Health Advisory: Oral Cephalosporins no longer recommended for treatment of gonoccal infections in the United States (September 2012) (PDF)
- Update: Oral Cephalosporins No Longer a Recommended Treatment for Gonococcal Infections
- Recommendations for the Laboratory-based Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae - March 14 2014 MMWR
US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
- Syphilis Infection in Nonpregnant Adults and Adolescents: Screening - "A" Grade (June 2016)
- Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia - "B" Grade for Sexually Active Women (September 2014)
- Behavioral Sexual Risk-Reduction Counseling in Primary Care to Prevent STI - "B" Grade (September 2014)
Article 23 - Local Health Department STD Billing Guidance & Frequently Asked Questions
Expedited Partner Therapy
Update: Expedited Partner Therapy is exempt from the NYS e-prescribing mandate through March 18, 2018. For more information, please visit the first link below:
Partner Services for STD/HIV Prevention
- Information on Partner Services
- Recommendations for Partner Services Programs for HIV Infection, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydial Infection - November 2008 MMWR (PDF, 698 KB, 92pg.)
Training and Reference
- National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers
- STD 101 in a Box - Ready to Use Presentations - CDC
