Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI that can cause an infection in women and men.
*If you have had a previous chlamydia infection and were treated, you can get infected again.
*If you are pregnant, you can pass chlamydia to your baby during a vaginal delivery.
How it’s spread: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Signs/Symptoms: Often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems even without symptoms.
Women—Abnormal vaginal discharge, A burning sensation when peeing
Men—Discharge from the penis, A burning sensation when peeing, Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (this is less common)
Rectal Infection: Rectal pain, Discharge, Bleeding
Who should get tested?
If you are sexually active and have any of the following risk factors, you should be tested at least once a year.
Gay or bi-sexual women and men
Men who have sex with other men
Have a new sex partner
Persons that have multiple sex partners
Persons that have a sex partner who has an STI
You are pregnant
Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI that can cause an infection in women and men.
*If you have had a previous gonorrhea infection and were treated, you can get infected again.
*If you are pregnant, you can pass gonorrhea to your baby during a vaginal delivery.
How it’s spread: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Signs/Symptoms: Often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems even without symptoms.
Women—Painful or burning sensation when peeing, Increased vaginal discharge, Vaginal bleeding between periods
Men—Burning sensation when peeing, A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, Painful or swollen testicles (this is less common)
Rectal Infection: Discharge, Anal itching, Soreness, Bleeding, Painful bowel movements
Who should get tested?
If you are sexually active and have any of the following risk factors, you should be tested at least once a year.
Gay or bi-sexual women and men
Men who have sex with other men
Have a new sex partner
Persons that have multiple sex partners
Persons that have a sex partner who has an STI
You are pregnant
Syphilis is a bacterial STI that can cause an infection in women and men.
*If you have had a previous syphilis infection and were treated, you can get infected again.
*If you are pregnant, you can pass syphilis to your baby during pregnancy.
How it’s spread: Direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be spread from a mother to her unborn baby.
Signs/Symptoms:
Primary—Single or multiple sores in the location of contact. They can be painless. The sore(s) will go away on their own in 3-6 weeks. These usually occur in, on, or around the Penis, Vagina, Anus, Rectum, Lips or in the mouth
Secondary—Skin rashes and/or sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus. The rash can be on the palms of your hands and/or the soles of the feet. These will go away on their own.
Other s/s: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and feeling very tired.
Latent—There are no visible signs or symptoms. Without treatment, you can continue to have syphilis in your body for years and can spread it to others.
Who should get tested?
If you are sexually active and have any of the following risk factors, you should be tested at least once a year.
Gay or bi-sexual women and men
Persons living with HIV
Persons taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Persons that have a sex partner who tests positive for syphilis
You are pregnant
Western Plains Public Health offers confidential 3-site testing for *chlamydia & *gonorrhea as well as blood sample testing for syphilis.
*Treatment is available for positive chlamydia and/or gonorrhea results.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any other questions, please contact:
Grant, Morton, and Sioux Counties
Jennifer Pelster, RN
Mercer and Oliver Counties
Amber Staigle, RN
