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Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention Program
The Sexually Transmitted Disease
(STD) Intervention Program is responsible for the investigation,
control, and prevention of STDs in DeSoto County. We provide many
confidential services including testing and screening for STDs or
HIV. For clients who test positive, we offer medical care and
treatment at our clinic site. In addition, contact investigations
are conducted for all confirmed cases to identify and test sexual
partners who may have been exposed or infected. Finally, the STD
Intervention Program provides outreach services to help educate the
community about reducing the risks for STDs.
We encourage the public to call
with any questions or concerns about STDs or HIV. All information
is kept private and confidential.
To schedule
an appointment for STD testing or treatment contact:
DeSoto
County Health Department
34 South
Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia,
Florida 34266
(863)
993-4601
STD or HIV
Testing
The DeSoto
County Health Department offers testing for several STDs including:
Gonorrhea &
Chlamydia
Testing for gonorrhea and Chlamydia
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 two weeks.
Syphilis
Testing requires a blood sample.
Lab results are received in two weeks.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is preventable through
vaccination. Almost all teenagers and adults should be vaccinated
as part of routine childhood immunizations. If you were not
previously vaccinated, you can schedule an appointment with the
Health Department by calling (863) 993-4601.
Testing for requires a blood sample
and lab results are received usually within 3 weeks.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
There is no simple test to see if
you have been infected with HPV. The only way to diagnose a client
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 ages 11-26.
Trichomoniasis
There’s not a simple test for
trichomoniasis, also know as trich. Diagnosis requires an exam by a
medical provider. Lab test can be ordered if you have symptoms of
infection, which include frothy yellow discharge, irritation or
itching, or painful urination.
Herpes
Herpes is best diagnosed when an
individual has a current outbreak. A medical provider will conduct
a physical examination to detect genital herpes. Blood test are
available, but are not the preferred method of diagnosis.
Bacterial Vaginosis
A medical provider must examine the
vagina for signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and perform laboratory
test on a sample of vaginal fluid to look for bacteria associated
with BV.
HIV
HIV (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.
Department of Health's STD Fact Sheet
STD Treatment
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:
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Unusual discharge
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Pain during
urination or intercourse
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Pelvic pain
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Itching or
irritation in genital region
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Rash or lesion on
genitals
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No
Appointment Necessary |
The DeSoto County Health
Department can provide an exam and the appropriate treatment for
you.
Contact us at:
(863)
993-4601 to reach a
health professional who can answer your questions.
 STD
Questions
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
discussed will b e kept confidential. Do not feel embarrassed,
no topic is off-limits. Having questions is normal, and public
health professionals are here to help you. Call (863)
993-4601 ext. 131 to talk to someone about STDs.
Family Planning
The family planning clinic deals with issues
related to pregnancy, conception and reproductive health.
Here are some of the services that are offered:
Emergency Contraception -
if you had a recent sexual encounter and
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If you had
unprotected sex or the condom broke, taking
emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy. |
fear that you may be pregnant, DCHD offers
emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptives should
be taken within 72 hours after the initial
encounter, but the sooner the better. You do not need an
appointment for this service.
For more
information follow this
emergency contraception link.
Pregnancy
Testing -
DCHD offers
pregnancy testing and counseling to adults and 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 - We offer
a variety of birth control methods, including:
Please make an appointment by
calling (863) 993-4601 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 - You can get FREE
condoms from the front desk at the health department. We
have both male and female condoms. Lubricants are also
available.
 Do
I have to bring my parents?
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Remember to
bring your Photo ID! |
DeSoto County Health Department
encourages teens to talk to their parents about their health;
however, teens can come to DCHD for STD/HIV testing, STD
treatment, and Family Planning services without their parent or
guardian. As health professionals, we have a responsibility to
let you know the results of any test that we provide you. Your
information will be kept confidential and 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 reach you. We will not discuss your
health information with anyone without your approval.
Keep in mid that, although
talking with parents and guardians may be uncomfortable or
awkward, parents can provide support and understanding to help
you deal with any issues you are experiencing.
For questions,
concerns or appointments please contact:
DeSoto County Health
Department
34 South Baldwin
Avenue
Arcadia, FL
34256
(941) 933-4601
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