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STD
or HIV Testing
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Charlotte CHD offers testing for several Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs) including
HIV,
gonorrhea,
Chlamydia,
syphilis, and
Hepatitis B virus. Although we
prefer that you make an appointment, walk-ins are
accepted for STD testing. In order to receive the
results of your STD tests, you MUST come back into the
clinic to get them in-person. We cannot give you
results over the phone.
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(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing involves a blood
test to detect antibodies against the virus. An oral
test is also available. HIV testing can be done
confidentially or anonymously. Lab results are received
in about 2-3 weeks. |
Testing for
 can
be done with a urine test. Your healthcare provider may also wish
to take a swab from your urethra or cervix. Lab results are
received in about 2 weeks.
testing requires
a blood sample. Lab results are received in about 2 weeks.
 testing
requires a blood sample. Hepatitis B is preventable through
vaccination. Almost all teenagers should be vaccinated as part of
routine childhood immunizations. If you have not been previously
vaccinated, ask your parents about getting this vaccine. Lab
results are received in about 3 weeks.
Other STDs Require an
Examination
There is no simple test to see if
you have been infected with HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus. The only
way to diagnose someone is if they actively have genital warts. In
addition, if a female has an abnormal pap smear, further testing is
available to see if it is related to
HPV infection.
There is now an
HPV vaccine! It is recommended for females age 11-12. But girls as
young as 9, up to age 26 can also get the
vaccine.
 There
is no simple test for
trichomoniasis, or trich. Diagnosis requires
an exam by a medical provider. Lab tests can be ordered if you have
symptoms of infection, including frothy yellow discharge, irritation
or itching, or painful urination.
Herpes is best diagnosed when an individual has a
current outbreak. A medical provider will conduct
a physical examination to detect genital herpes.
Blood tests may be available, but are not the preferred
method of diagnosis.
A medical provider
must examine the vagina for signs of
Bacterial Vaginosis and perform
laboratory tests on a sample of vaginal fluid to
look for bacteria associated with BV.
STD
Treatment
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If you think you have signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted
disease, you should be examined by a medical
provider. Common symptoms of STDs include
unusual discharge, pain during urination or
intercourse, pelvic pain, itching or irritation
in the genital region, the presence of a rash or
lesion on the genitals. CCHD can provide an
exam and the appropriate treatment for you. No
appointment is necessary. |
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STD Questions
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Are you sexually active or are you thinking about having sex for the
first time? Do you think you might have an
STD? Do you have general questions about
STDs and need someone to talk to? If so,
you can contact the health department to
speak with someone about these issues. Any
issues that are discussed will be kept
confidential. No topic is off-limits. Do
not feel embarrassed. Having questions is
normal, and public health professionals are
here to help you. Call 941-639-1181
extension 2224 to talk to someone about
STDs. |
Family Planning
The
Family Planning
clinic deals with issues related to pregnancy,
contraception, and reproductive health. Here are
some of the services that are offered:
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Emergency Contraception
– If you had a recent sexual encounter
and fear you may be pregnant, CCHD
offers emergency contraception. For
example, if you had unprotected sex, or
if the condom broke, taking emergency
contraception can prevent pregnancy.
Emergency contraceptives should be taken
within 72 hours after the
encounter…the sooner the better. You do
not need an appointment for this
service. For more information follow
this
emergency contraception link. |
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Pregnancy Testing
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CCHD offers pregnancy testing and
counseling to teens. The pregnancy test
is a urine test that detects pregnancy
hormone levels. It can detect these
hormones as early as 6 days after
conception. If you have a positive
pregnancy test, we will help you get
through the next steps and explain all
of the services that are available to
you.
Birth Control
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We
offer a variety of birth control methods
including oral contraceptives (The
Pill), Depo Provera (an injection),
diaphragms, and the contraceptive ring.
The contraceptive patch is available by
prescription only. Please make an
appointment if you want to talk to
someone about starting birth control.
Once you begin taking birth control,
regardless of which method, you will be
required to make an appointment to have
a pap smear within 3 months in order to
get refills.
Condoms
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You can get FREE condoms from the
front desk at the health department. We
have both male and female condoms.
Lubricant is also provided. |
Do I have to bring my parents?
CCHD encourages
teens to talk to their parents about their
health. This includes sexual health and STDs.
Although this may be uncomfortable or awkward,
parents can provide support and understanding to
help you deal with any issues you are
experiencing.
Teens, however,
can come to CCHD for STD/HIV Testing, STD
Treatment, and Family Planning services without
their parent or guardian. Remember to bring a
photo ID! Your information will be kept
confidential. We will only contact you by the
methods you specify. So if you don’t want the
clinic to call your home or mail letters to your
house, please let us know the best way to
contact you. We will not discuss your health
information with anyone without your approval.
Please keep in
mind, however, that we have a responsibility as
health professionals to let you know the results
of any tests that we provide you. You must
follow-up or we will try to contact you.
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