Frequently Asked Questions

Sexual transmitted infections (STIs) are infections generally transmitted by sexual contact and are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and through infected blood or contaminated needles. STIs are very common and complications can result if STIs are untreated, including infertility.

The most common STIs:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital Herpes
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV / AIDS
• Syphilis

The most common symptom for STIs is having no sign of symptoms.

Those with symptoms may include:

• Unusual discharge from vagina, penis or anus
• Pain while urinating
• Blisters, sores, warts, lumps or skin growths around genitals or anus
• Rash
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Everyone may experience different symptoms. Some symptoms may appear within a few days of exposure and others might take weeks to appear.

Anyone who is sexually active - including oral, vaginal, and anal sex - is at risk of exposure to an STI. Risk factors can increase if someone has unprotected sex. Those with new or more than one partner have a greater risk of exposure.

• Abstinence (not having sex)
• Reducing number of sexual partners
• Mutual monogamy
• Avoiding sharing needles
• Using condoms or other barrier methods (female condoms, dental dams) correctly each time
• Routine testing. See testing recommendations

Please note that birth control methods, such as the pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), the ring, Depo-Provera (the shot), and diaphragms, do not protect against any STI!!

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Yamhill County Public Health
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McMinnville, OR 97128

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• Yamhill County Public Health: Call 503-434-7525 to schedule an appointment
• Your primary care provider
• Urgent care
• The emergency department
• Online Testing Resources. Please note that if you use these services, you will need to seek treatment on your own if you receive positive results.
• HeyMistr
• STI Check

Even if you don't have symptoms, it is recommended that you still get tested if you are sexually active as most people do not show symptoms.

There is a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding STIs and it may be uncomfortable for people to talk about. Telling your partner(s) that you have a STI can be a difficult thing to approach, even if you know it would be the right thing to do. You are able to notify your partners on your own, but if for some reason you do not feel comfortable doing so, there are other options:

• Reach out to Yamhill County Public Health and we can anonymously notify your partners and recommend that they seek testing
• Use online resources to anonymously notify your partners about STIs in a safe and secure way through text message or email
  • Tell Your Partner
  • STD Check Anonymous Test Notification