HEALTH SERVICES

STI testing and treatment

During all routine pelvic exams, patients are tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea — two of the most common STIs. Additionally, a syphilis screening will be done if a patient’s medical or sexual history includes prior exposure to syphilis or a positive test result for another STI.

A pap smear, which detects changes to the cervix that might indicate exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), is a routine part of all pelvic exams. If a pap test indicates possible exposure, a follow-up test called a colposcopy is performed to confirm the presence of HPV.

If you test positive for an STI (other than HIV), you’ll be contacted and informed of your test result and the need to come in for treatment.

At the follow-up visit, you’ll be encouraged to tell any partners about the infection so that they can also be tested and treated if necessary. Or, if you prefer, you can relay the names of your partners and PPOSBC will provide prescriptions for their treatment.

Go to STIs page to learn more about STIs and their treatment.