Cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea are on the rise in the United States, including West Virginia. These sexually transmitted infections are increasingly common and often have no symptoms. Left untreated, they can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs, including infertility. STD tests are usually not included during routine bloodwork and annual physicals unless you ask your primary care physician to be tested.
The good news: getting tested at the health department is affordable and non-invasive. We offer urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and blood testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.
How can I get tested at the health department?
Call us at 304-728-8416 to set up an appointment. There is a $10 fee for STD testing.
What happens at the appointment?
You’ll fill out a form with your name, date of birth, and other demographic information. A nurse will bring you to a private room to discuss your symptoms and medical history. You’ll then use a private bathroom to give a urine sample. A blood sample may also be needed depending on the type of test. The nurse will package the sample(s) to send to the state lab. We will call you as soon as we get the results.
What if I my test results are positive?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are curable with antibiotics. If you test positive for any of these you will be scheduled for free treatment as soon as possible. A nurse will give you medication and counsel you on treatment, avoiding sex while you may still be contagious, and when you’ll need to be re-tested. We can notify past or current partners for you and schedule them for testing and treatment.
HIV and Hepatitis B and C are more complicated. If you test positive for any one of these we will refer you to a healthcare provider who specializes in managing these conditions.
How can I prevent STD’s?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are spread through sexual contact. The only 100% way to avoid them is to abstain from sex. If you are sexually active, using a barrier method correctly every time will significantly reduce your risk. Free condoms are available at the health department for anyone who asks for them.
Follow these links for more information from the Center for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm