Harford County Health Department
1321 Woodbridge Station Way
Edgewood, MD 21040
How do I pay for STI services
Most insurances are accepted. A sliding fee discount is offered to uninsured and underinsured clients with proof of income (payment is based on income). Those who are unemployed should provide proof of unemployment. All patients should bring photo ID and insurance information.
What’s the deal with STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect people of all genders, backgrounds and income levels. In the U.S., STI incidence has increased dramatically in recent years. The CDC estimates that 19 million new infections occur each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.
Why should we be concerned?
Despite the fact that STIs are extremely widespread and add an estimated $13 billion dollars to the nation’s healthcare costs each year, most people in the U.S. remain unaware of the risk and consequences of all but the most prominent STI ⸺ HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The only way you can know your STI status is to get tested. Thankfully, testing and treatment are available!
What are the most common STIs?
Many people are aware of the most prominent STI ⸺ HIV. Many other STIs affect millions of men and women each year. These STIs can cause no initial symptoms, especially in women. Symptoms, when they do develop, may be confused with those of other infections that are not transmitted through sexual contact. STIs can still be transmitted even if a person doesn’t show symptoms. Health problems caused by STIs tend to be more severe for women than for men. Check out this comparison chart to learn more about individual STIs or visit the CDC’s STI page.
How does STI testing work?
Comprehensive testing involves tests for all of the common STIs at all of the places on your body where you can contract them. For most people, this means we draw blood (HIV, syphilis) and take a urine sample (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis).
If you’ve had oral or anal sex, we’ll also take pharyngeal (throat) or rectal (butt) swabs to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are site-specific, meaning we have to test your urine, throat, and butt to be sure we don’t miss the infection.
What’s the bottom line?
You can’t know for sure whether or not you have an STI unless you get tested. Regular screening is important for all people that are sexually active. Call for an appointment today!
Where can I learn more?
Visit our blog for more information on PrEP, HIV, STIs, harm reduction, and lots of other topics relevant to sexual health! You can also visit the sites below:
CDC Division of STD Prevention