Sexually Transmitted Diseases
WHAT IS AN STI?
An “STI” — which stands for “Sexually Transmitted Infection” — is an infection that passes from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. STIs can also spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common, and through non-sexual contact (for example, people who share needles can infect each other with HIV).
STIs are very common, with millions of new infections occurring every year in the United States.
STIs don't always cause symptoms or may cause only mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. If you are sexually active, it’s important that you get tested.
Please note: We use the term “STI” instead of long-used term “STD” (which stands for “Sexually Transmitted Disease”). “STI” is the most up-to-date term — educators and health care providers switched from STD to STI because “infection” is more accurate and less stigmatizing than “disease.” Still, both terms may be used somewhat interchangeably by health providers and health care organizations.
Which Tests Should I Get? (CDC website)
If you receive a positive diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.
STIs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from an STI.
WHAT IS HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. For more information, please follow the link for information on HIV Basics. You will find topics about HIV, its prevention, testing, transmission, HIV & Monkey Pox, and other topics surrounding risk reduction and prevention.
More information on HIV can be found via the CDC by clicking here.
HOW DO I PREVENT HIV/STI’S?
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV. Barrier methods such as condoms can reduce the likelihood of contracting an STI if exposed. Order here through Doing Delco Safely. A free mail-order condom distribution program in recognition of Valentine’s Day and National Condom Week. Doing Delco Safely offers a variety of condom options. Residents can order up to 10 free condoms to be mailed directly to them in discrete packaging. For more information, click here.
WHERE DO YOU START?
Get tested and know your status. Call us (484) 276-2100 or email us to make an appointment. Walkin’s are also welcome at our two clinical sites:
STI/HIV clinic walk-In hours available:
CHESTER LOCATION
Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
151 W. 5th Street (5th & Penn)
Chester, PA
YEADON LOCATION
Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon
Mondays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday, By Appointment Only
125 Chester Avenue
Yeadon, Pa. 19050
*STI/HIV Health Services will be available at the Delaware County Wellness Centers.
For more information or to schedule an appointment:
Phone: (484) 276-2100
Email: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
DCHD Offers Sexual Health Services
- Counseling for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Testing and treatment for STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, & Syphilis
- If you receive a positive diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine, and some are curable entirely.
- STIs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from an STI.
- Which Tests Should I Get? (CDC website)
- How to Start the Conversation with your provider?
LET'S TALK ABOUT PREP & PEP
What is PrEP?, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
FINDING PREP
The PrEP Locator is a national directory of providers of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the US. PrEP Locator seeks to provide patients access to a national, integrated service including both public and private practice providers.
PEP
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV via:
- Condomless sex or having a condom break during sex with a partner who is living with HIV, or with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
- Sharing equipment for injection drug use (such as needles, syringes, and cookers).
- Sharing needles or syringes for hormone therapy.
- Sexual assault.
ONLINE PROVIDERS FOR PREP
- How to Start the Conversation with your provider?
- What is PrEP?
- PrEP Locator
- PEP
- https://www.nurx.com/prep/
- https://heymistr.com/
- https://www.prep2me.com
PROVIDERS FOR HIV CARE IN DELAWARE COUNTY
AIDS CARE GROUP
Sharon Hill Medical
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital- Infectious Disease Darby
Crozer Health
MPOX
Looking for information about Mpox? Mpox is transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, including sexual contact, the infection can also be spread through non-sexual contact. For more information about Mpox, visit our DCHD Mpox web page.
Additional Resources from the CDC:
STI resources for you
How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
A Teen- Friendly Reproductive Health Visit
STD Testing: Information for Parents of Adolescents
How to talk to a doctor about STD Testing
Doing Delco Safely Condom Program
Medisafe Medication Management Mobile Application - FREE for iOS & Android
Talking to your partner(s) about STIs and HIV
What do if your provider Says “No” to PrEP
Resources for providers
The Clinician Consultation Center for Providers
HIV related Resources
Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program
Advancing Access Program through Gilead
For more information and assistance, the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Wellness Line also responds to email inquiries.
Phone: (484) 276-2100 (Available 24/7)
Email:DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
