Northern Kentucky Health Department

Sexually Transmitted Infections

The Health Department provides testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections by appointment at each of our four county health centers. All services are confidential.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours. To schedule an appointment, call the health center that is most convenient for you. A nurse or clerk will speak with you to see if an appointment can be arranged for that day or as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does STI testing cost?
Does the Health Department test for all STIs?
Why is STI testing recommended?
What should I expect at my appointment?
If I test positive for a STI, what should I do next?
Is follow up testing necessary if I test positive for a STI?
How can I keep from getting a STI?
Where can I go to get tested for hepatitis B or C?
Where can I go to find more information on STIs?

How much does STI testing cost?

Fees vary according to testing performed. The Health Department does not bill private insurance companies. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Does the Health Department test for all STIs?

Testing is available for the most common sexually transmitted infections. These include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes (only be done if there is a lesion/sore to culture)
HIV
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis (available for women by using a microscope test; male partners are treated pending the female partner’s test results)

There is no commercially available test for genital warts. Genital warts are diagnosed through physical examination.

Why is STI testing recommended?

Many people have a sexually transmitted infection and do not have any signs or symptoms of infection. You should be tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections if you know your partner tested positive for or has a sexually transmitted infection. Screening is also recommended when ending a sexual relationship or before beginning a new relationship.

You should also be tested for sexually transmitted infections if you have any signs or symptoms of infection such as sores, bumps or blisters near your genital area, rectum or mouth; pain or burning with urination or bowel movements; or flu-like symptoms. Women may experience an unusual vaginal discharge or vaginal odor; pelvic pain; pain or bleeding with sex; vaginal bleeding not related to the menstrual period; or burning or itching in the genital area. Men may experience a drip or discharge from the penis.

What should I expect at my appointment?

At your appointment, a nurse will take your medical history to determine your symptoms of infection and your risk of infection. You will receive a physical exam by a certified nurse practitioner or physician who will determine what tests need to be done. Routine testing is for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. Other tests will be performed depending on your exam results. Treatment at the time of exam is determined by your history, exam and possible exposure to a sexually transmitted infection. Most medications for sexually transmitted are provided to you at the health center.

If I test positive for a STI, what should I do next?

You should notify your sexual partner(s) to be tested and treated if you test positive or are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. If you are uncomfortable doing this, the health center can help notify your partner(s). It is important not to have any sex until you and your partner(s) have been treated.

Is follow up testing necessary if I test positive for a STI?

Follow up testing depends on what infection was diagnosed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who have been treated for Chlamydia and gonorrhea be retested in three months. People who have been treated for syphilis should have follow up examination and testing at six months and 12 months after treatment or as determined by a health care provider.

How can I keep from getting a STI?

It is important to protect yourself from getting a sexually transmitted infection. The most effective way to prevent a STI is not to have sex. Some other ways to prevent infection are:

Use a condom or be sure your partner uses a condom every time you have sex. In addition to preventing a sexually transmitted infection, condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can help to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
Limit the number of your sexual partners over your lifetime
Only have sex with your partner
Don’t have sex if you are intoxicated on alcohol or drugs

Where can I go to get tested for hepatitis B or C?

The Heatlh Department is offering testing for hepatitis C. Learn more.

The Health Department does not test for hepatitis B. People interested in being tested for hepatitis are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or the Cincinnati Health Department’s STI Clinic at 513.357.7350.

Where can I find more information on STIs?

To learn more about STIs, you can visit the American Social Health Association's Web site or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site.