STD Prevention & Testing

Reportable Sexually Transmitted Infections

"Break the Cycle"

The public health department follows up with reportable diseases for education, intervention, and prevention of future occurrences. This allows trends to be monitored and ultimately stopped.

Currently, there are 5 Sexually Transmitted Infections that are reportable:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Chancroid
• PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
• Syphilis

For more information about the above diseases and others not listed, call your local public health department or visit the DHS Website.

HIV Testing

Taking an HIV test is an important decision. There are many factors to consider when moving forward with HIV testing. Portage County Health Department offers counseling, HIV testing, and referral services that are available at low or no cost. Testing site staff will talk with you about how HIV is transmitted, how to prevent getting HIV infection or passing it on, and deciding about being tested.

There are many reasons why to take an HIV test.

• Testing is the only way to know if you are infected
• Knowing your HIV status can help you to make important decisions about your health
• Medications for HIV are better than ever, if you are HIV positive, early testing may improve the quality and length of your life.

You may be at risk for HIV infection and should be tested if:

• You have had unprotected sex (sex without a condom)
• You are a man who has had unprotected sex with another man
• You have shared needles for injecting drugs, tattooing, or body piercing
• You have had several sex partners
• You have had sexually transmitted infections