STDs & HIV/AIDS Screening - Sedgwick County, Kansas Health Department

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STDs & HIV/AIDS Screenings

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Kansas. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the United States and in Kansas. STD morbidity is driven by very complex social conditions, including poverty, racism, substance abuse, crime, family disruption, and media influences.

Parental consent is NOT necessary to be tested or treated for an STD. An appointment is necessary: call 660-7300 to schedule an appointment. The Sedgwick County Health Department offers testing and treatment of the following STDs:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
HIV/AIDS
Syphilis
Yeast Infections
Vaginal Infections
Genital Warts
Herpes screenings (as indicated)

HPV - Human Papilloma Virus

A woman's sexual behavior affects her chances of developing cervical cancer because Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts, is the number one cervical cancer risk factor. For this reason, by avoiding sexual encounters that can lead to HPV exposure, women can help lower their cervical cancer risk.

To protect themselves against developing pre-cancers, women of all ages should practice smart sex to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases known to cause cervical cancer. Some smart-sex strategies include:

Waiting until they are older to become sexually active
Limiting their number of sexual partners
Abstaining from sex with people who have had multiple partners

Resources

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Facts & Information

HIV/AIDS

AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for Americans between the ages of 25 and 44, according to the CDC. It is widely believed that most people in their twenties who have AIDS actually became infected with HIV in their teenage years.

The Sedgwick County Health Department offers:

Confidential or anonymous testing
Counseling

What is HIV?

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease in which the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain infections, known as "opportunistic infections," and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune system.

How is HIV trasmitted?

A person who is HIV-infected carries the virus in certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person. This kind of direct entry can occur (1) through the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, and the opening at the tip of the penis; (2) through intravenous injection with a syringe; or (3) through a break in the skin, such as a cut or sore. Usually, HIV is transmitted through:

Unprotected sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal) with someone who is HIV-infected.
Women are at greater risk of HIV infection through vaginal sex than men, although the virus can also be transmitted from women to men. Anal sex (whether male-male or male-female) poses a high risk mainly to the receptive partner, because the lining of the anus and rectum are extremely thin and filled with small blood vessels that can be easily injured during intercourse.
Unprotected oral sex with someone who is HIV-infected.
There are far fewer cases of HIV transmission attributed to oral sex than to either vaginal or anal intercourse, but oral-genital contact poses a clear risk of HIV-infection, particularly when ejaculation occurs in the mouth. This risk is increased when either partner has cuts or sores, such as those caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), recent tooth-brushing, or canker sores, which can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.
Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV-infected.
Laboratory studies show that infectious HIV can survive in used needles for a month or more, and should never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment. This includes needles or syringes used to inject illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as steroids. Other types of needles, such as those used for body piercing and tattoos, can also carry HIV.
Infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding (mother-to-infant transmission).
Any woman who is pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and thinks she may have been exposed to HIV even if the exposure occurred years ago should seek testing and counseling. Mother-to-infant transmission has been reduced to just a few cases each year in the U.S., where pregnant women are tested for HIV, and those who test positive are provided with drugs to prevent transmission and counseled not to breast-feed.

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV is not an easy virus to pass from one person to another. It is not transmitted through food or air (for instance, by coughing or sneezing). There has never been a case where a person was infected by a household member, relative, co-worker, or friend through casual or everyday contact such as sharing eating utensils and bathroom facilities or hugging and kissing. (Most scientists agree that while HIV transmission through deep or prolonged "French" kissing may be possible, it would be extremely unlikely.)

Here in the U.S., screening the blood supply for HIV has virtually eliminated the risk of infection through blood transfusions. (And you cannot get HIV from giving blood at a blood bank or other established blood collection center.) Sweat, tears, vomit, feces, and urine do contain HIV, but have not been reported to transmit the disease (apart from two cases involving transmission from feces via cut skin). Mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects do not transmit HIV.

Resources

The Body, An AIDS and HIV Information Resource