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Sexually Transmitted Disease Program
The mission of the STD program is to prevent STDs, including HIV, and to promote sexual health.
The Deschutes County Health Department provides confidential, low cost, drop-in STD infection screening to all persons over the age of 12, regardless of their ability to pay. The clinics are for both men and women. All information disclosed by clients is confidential.
Days:
Call for new hours / times
Appointments also available
Times:
1pm until 4pm for walk-in clinic; walk-in clinics are on a first come, first served basis
Contact Information:
2577 NE Courtney Dr., Bend
for appointments or questions call 322-7400
When the client visits the clinic a nurse will discuss their symptoms, review their health and sexual history, perform a comprehensive STD exam, complete appropriate lab tests, and prescribe medication if indicated. The nurse will also perform an HIV risk assessment. Clients are encouraged to ask questions during the visit. The nurse will provide answers and information that will help prevent further risk of infections. Free condoms are available at the clinic
STD's that the Health Department tests for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital warts
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Pubic lice
- Scabies
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Pelvic inflammatory infections
- HIV
Other associated diseases:
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Yeast Infections
- Hepatitis C
Clients diagnosed with a reportable STD (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B) will be referred to a staff person for enhanced counseling on transmission and prevention. Additionally, there will be a discussion of how to notify sexual partners for treatment and education. This is all done confidentially.
Prevention
There are a number of ways to protect yourself and your partner from STDs:
- The best way to prevent STDs is by not having sex (abstinence) or waiting to have sex (postponement). There are many ways to show love besides sex. Kissing, massaging, talking, and touching feel good and are safe.
- If you have sex, use a latex condom (rubber) correctly each time. You can also use other barrier methods like polyurethane (plastic) condoms, female condoms, or latex barriers (dental dams). Other birth control methods like the pill, depo provera, or diaphragm do not protect against STDs.
- Talk to your partner(s) about safer sex and condoms before having sex. Try to select a setting that is neutral and non-sexual. Discuss your sexual histories including past sex partners and STDs.
- Before you have sex, check yourself and your partner for any signs of STDs, such as discharge, sores or bumps in the genital areas. If you notice any signs, do not have sex. Go to a doctor or a clinic to get tested. Remember that most people with STD's often do not have any noticeable symptoms.
- Limit your number of sex partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STD. A monogamous relationship — where you and your partner only have sex with one another — is safest.
- Go to a clinic for an STD checkup every six months if you change partners, have more than one partner, or if your partner may be having sex with anyone else. You can have an STD without any signs.
- If you have an STD, make sure both you and your sex partner get treated. Do not have sex again until both you and your sex partner complete treatment.
- Do not share needles for tattooing, body piercing, or injecting drugs or other vitamins. If you do share, learn how to clean the properly. Ask your sex partner(s) about any past needle use.
- If you are pregnant, seek prenatal care early. Early detection and treatment of STDs is important to prevent transmission or development of complications.
- Using a condom (rubber)
- Using latex barriers (Dental Dams)
- Cleaning needles and syringes
Community Education
Nurses are available to discuss the following topics with schools, youth programs, drug and alcohol programs, and others by request.
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- HIV prevention
- Birth control methods
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