We offer low cost STI testing and treatment to women and men in our community. Learn more about some of the most common STIs below, then schedule an appointment with our staff today. The only way to truly know if you have an STI is to get tested, which Mosaic can provide for each of the following:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Trichomonas
- Bacterial Vaginosis
COMMON STIs: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Chlamydia
How can you get it?
- Men and women can both spread and contract Chlamydia, a bacteria that can be transmitted during sex, whether vaginally, anally, or orally.
What are the symptoms?
- Many men and women do not experience any symptoms. However some women experience an abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning with urination. Men sometimes experience testicular pain or swelling, burning with urination, and abnormal odor or discharge. The best way to know if you have Chlamydia is to get tested.
Is it possible to treat Chlamydia?
- Clients can receive treatment for Chlamydia with an antibiotic.
Testing?
- Ideally, testing should occur at least 5-6 days after having sex.
Gonorrhea
How can you get it?
- Men and women can both spread and contract Gonorrhea, a bacteria that can be transmitted during sex, whether vaginally, anally, or orally. It most commonly affects those in the 15-24 year age demographic.
What are the symptoms?
- Men do not always have symptoms with this particular STI, but they can range from a burning feeling during urination, green or yellow discharge, or testicular pain and swelling. Women do not frequently show symptoms when they are positive for Gonorrhea. However, symptoms can include a change in vaginal discharge, odor, and/or bleeding.
Is it possible to treat Gonorrhea?
- Clients can receive treatment for Gonorrhea with an antibiotic.
Testing?
- Ideally, testing should occur at least 5-6 days after having sex.
Syphilis
How can you get it?
- Men and women can both spread and contract Syphilis, a bacteria that can be transmitted during sex, whether vaginally, anally, or orally.
What are the symptoms?
- Syphilis is generally divided into four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis can also cause sores, and contact with these sores can transmit infection.
Is it possible to treat Syphilis?
- Men and women can receive treatment for Syphilis with an antibiotic. If you test positive, we will refer you out for treatment to the Leon County Health Department or your private physician.
Testing?
- Ideally, testing should occur 1-3 months after having sex.
HIV
How can you get it?
- HIV is a virus contracted through sexual contact. HIV is found in blood and body secretions.
What are the symptoms?
- Symptoms of HIV are similar to flu symptoms which include, fever, aching muscles, sore throat, fatigue, and can also cause rashes as a common symptom. However, in the acute HIV Infection stage, it is not uncommon to be completely symptom-free.
Is it possible to treat HIV?
- We test for HIV at Mosaic, but we refer positive clients to the Leon County Health Department or their private physician for treatment.
Testing?
- Ideally, testing should occur 1-3 months after having sex.
Trichomonas
How can you get it?
- A parasite causes Trichomonas, which can spread between sexual partners.
What are the symptoms?
- It is most common among women, but it is possible for men to contract the infection as well. Women’s symptoms include itching, fishy smell or strong odor, and/or abnormal discharge (thin or in a greater volume). Men’s potential symptoms include an itching sensation within the penis, burning while ejaculating or urinating, or even discharge.
Is it possible to treat Trichomonas?
- Clients can receive treatment for Trichomonas with an antibiotic.
Testing?
- Ideally, testing should occur 1-2 days after having sex.
Bacterial Vaginosis
How can you get it?
- Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Though it most commonly affects women who are sexually active, it can also affect women who have never had sex.
What are the symptoms?
- Common symptoms of BV include a change in vaginal discharge and/or odor.
Is it possible to treat BV?
- If you are positive for BV, we recommend receiving treatment with an antibiotic.
Testing?
- You can test at any time. When you begin to experience symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment for BV screening. (Note: We cannot test women for BV while on their menstrual cycle.)