Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are infections of the reproductive system and sex organs. There are many types of STIs, but the most common ones are: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and HIV.

Sexually transmitted infections are spread through anal, vaginal or oral sex with an infected man or woman. Anyone who has any kind of unprotected sex (sex without a condom) is at risk. If a mother is infected, she can also pass an STI to her child while she is pregnant or during birth. Some STIs can also be spread through the exchange of blood products and by sharing needles.

STIs are preventable. The best way to prevent all STIs is by not having any kind of sex (oral, anal or vaginal). If you do have sex, use a latex condom every time for anal, vaginal and oral sex. You can also lower you risk by not using drugs or alcohol and by not sharing needles (this includes sharing needles for drugs, tattooing, piercing or steroid use). Other tips for lowing your risk include:

• Limiting your number of sex partners. One lifetime partner is best.
• Knowing your partners sexual history.
• Getting tested on a regular basis.
• Telling your partner if you have an STI.

STI’s often have no signs or symptoms. In fact you can have an STI, not show signs and still spread it to someone else. You could get an STI from someone who doesn’t show any signs. Some signs and symptoms include:

• Itching and/or burning in the genital area when you urinate.
• Sores or blisters that appear on the genital area.
• A discharge or drip from the genitals that may have an odor.

Call your health care provider or the Guilford County Division of Public Health if you think you may have a STI. To make an appointment in either the Greensboro or High Point clinic locations, please call 336-641-3245. The cost is free at both sites and all services are confidential. If you have questions about the test, call 336-641-3245.

Click here for more information about the 2018 Strengthening the US to Respond to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG) Grant.

Fact Sheets:

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Bacterial Vaginosis (Spanish)
• Chlamydia
• Chlamydia (Spanish)
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Herpes (Spanish)
• Genital Warts
• Genital Warts (Spanish)
• Gonorrhea
• Gonorrhea (Spanish)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis A (Spanish)
• Hepatitis B
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis
• Syphilis (Spanish)
• Trichomoniasis

Providers/physicians who treat/consult people with a reportable STI or HIV diagnosis must report the case to the Guilford County Division of Public Health (please see the second page of the DHHS Form 2124 below for a listing of reportable STIs and report time frames). Report any confirmed (documented) case on a DHHS Form 2124 for STIs and DHHS Form 4114.

Please note that Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Trichomoniasis are not reportable to the local health department.

• DHHS Form 2124
• DHHS Form 4114

Forward any questions concerning reporting and/or treatment to contact person listed on form.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer