Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of your age, identity or partner. Protect your health with routine STI testing, early treatment and supportive care.

At MU Health Care, we make STI testing and treatment simple, supportive and judgment-free. No referral is needed — just reach out. Whether you want routine screening, have symptoms or are looking for prevention options, we’re here to help you protect your health with confidence.

We offer testing, treatment and vaccines. Our team also provides prevention tools like condoms and medications. For example, Doxy-PEP is a medication that can reduce your risk of getting an STI, and HIV PrEP helps reduce your risk of getting HIV. Our goal is to help you stay healthy in a way that fits your life.

Our Approach to STI Care

Sexually transmitted infections can affect anyone, and that’s why we focus on education, routine testing, resources, early treatment and prevention.

We provide respectful, confidential care in a safe space where you can ask questions and discuss your concerns openly.

Whether you’re managing an STI or want to stay ahead of your health, we’re here with answers and personalized support.

STI Symptoms

Some STIs cause symptoms, while others don’t, which is why regular testing is so important.

When symptoms do appear, they can vary widely depending on the infection. Some signs may be mild and go unnoticed, while others can cause discomfort or pain. Untreated infections can also lead to long-term issues like infertility or chronic pelvic pain.

Common STI symptoms include:

  • Discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
  • Genital itching, irritation or rash
  • Pain during urination
  • Pelvic or genital pain
  • Sores, bumps or lesions around the genitals, anus or mouth

When to Seek Care for an STI

It’s a good idea to get tested if:

  • You notice new genital pain, discharge, sores or a rash
  • You think you may have been exposed to an STI
  • You have a new sexual partner
  • You’ve had sex without a condom

If you’re sexually active, routine screening is one of the best ways to protect your and your partner’s health.

Types of STIs

While STIs don’t always cause symptoms, they can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, including infertility, liver disease or HIV transmission.

Understanding the different types can help you get the care or protection you need.

Common STIs we treat include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

How We Diagnose STIs

Your care starts with a conversation about your symptoms, risk factors, sexual health history and any questions you have.

The following testing options and services depend on your symptoms and risk of exposure:

  • Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis
  • HPV and hepatitis vaccine review at your first visit
  • Oral, genital or rectal swabs to detect infections
  • Prevention counseling, including help with partner notification
  • Urine testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis

How We Treat STIs

At MU Health Care, we treat sexually transmitted infections with personalized, expert care.

Our team follows the latest CDC guidelines and works closely with public health partners to ensure you get timely, effective care, including treatment, prevention and support for your partners, too. We also offer same-day treatment whenever possible.

STI Treatment Options

Every STI is different. Some can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Others require ongoing management or long-term monitoring.

Treatment depends on the specific infection and may include:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomonas 
  • Antiviral medications for herpes or HIV, including rapid-start and rapid re-start options if you’re newly diagnosed or returning to care
  • Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) for certain bacterial STIs
  • Injectable medications when appropriate, such as penicillin for syphilis
  • Long-acting injectable HIV treatment for eligible patients
  • Ongoing management for HIV or hepatitis, with labs and follow-up to monitor your health

Prevention and PrEP Options

Depending on your needs, we may also discuss HIV prevention medications, which include:

  • Daily oral PrEP
  • Long-acting injectable PrEP
  • PrEP on Demand (2-1-1 PrEP) for eligible patients

Your care team helps you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and risk factors.

Your First Visit and Follow-Up Care

We start by reviewing your symptoms, test results, vaccination history and concerns. Depending on your needs, your care may also include:

  • Coordination with community partners, including Public Health, Disease Intervention Specialists and case managers, to support you.
  • Education and counseling around transmission, prevention and safe practices.
  • Expedited partner therapy, so your partners can get care quickly and discreetly.
  • Vaccine review and catch-up, including HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines if needed.

We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to review your labs, confirm that treatment worked and support your next steps — whether that’s prevention, ongoing care or both.