STD (Sexually Transmitted
Diseases) Program

The STD program at the Knox County Health Department focuses on preventing STDs through testing, treatment, surveillance and education. Call 309-344-2224 to make an appointment or walk-ins accepted on Fridays.

 

Q: What are STDs and how do they spread?

A: STDs are mostly caused by viral or bacterial infections. These viruses and bacteria are spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

 

Q: What are symptoms of STDs?

A: Depending on the STD, signs and symptoms can vary. Some people that are infected might have mild or show no signs or symptoms at all; others may have painful and often times embarrassing symptoms. It is important to note that individuals with NO signs or symptoms can still be infectious.

 

Q: What are the long-term effects?

A: STDs can lead to many side-effects that include: infertility, cancer, vital organ damage, and death.

 

Testing and Services

 

The following diseases can be tested for:

• Chlamydia - Urine test. Results in 7 to 10 days
  
• Gonorrhea - Urine test. Results in 7 to 10 days
  
• Syphilis - Blood draw. Results in 7 to 10 days
• HIV- Blood draw. Results in 7 to 10 days
  
• HIV (rapid testing) - Finger stick. Results in 15-20 minutes
  
• Hep C (rapid testing only) – Finger stick. Results in 15-20 minutes

The following services are offered:

• STD/HIV Counseling
  
• Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT)

 

Who Should Get Tested

You may have an STD and not know it! We recommend testing for:

• Anyone 25 years and younger who is sexually active
• Anyone with symptoms of an STD:
  • Women: vaginal discharge, pelvic pain
  • Men: penile discharge, burning with urination
• Men who have sex with men
• Sex partner of individual diagnosed with an STD
• Women with a new partner in the past 3 months
• Women with more than 1 partner in the past 3 months
• Women with a history of an STD in the past 3 years
• Anyone diagnosed with Gonorrhea or Chlamydia (should be re-screened at 3 months to detect possible re-infection)

 

Are you at increased risk for HIV infection?

PrEP is recommended for people age 18 and older who do not have HIV infection. This includes, but not limited to:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who in engage in unprotected sex
• HIV-negative men and women who have an HIV-positive sexual partner, a high number of sex partners, who engage in unprotected sex, or have had recent or frequent STDs.
• People who inject drugs
• Commercial sex workers or if uses sex for exchange purposes

 

Find Out More About Prep Here!

 

Additional Resources

 

CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Information

 

IDPH Sexually Transmitted Disease Information