Student Health Links

Medical Clinic

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STI's are transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected partner. The more sexual partners a person has, the greater the likelihood of disease transmission (although people can acquire an STI with one sexual encounter). Know the facts about transmission. Get screened for STI's. Seek professional medical advice at the first signs of symptoms. Many STI's are treatable and curable, some are not. Treat all sexual encounters as a potential for STI's transmission.

Who Should get Screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections?

You Should consider getting screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) If You have ever:

had unprotected (no condom was used) oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone of an unknown STI status
had intercourse under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and cannot remember what happened
shared IV drug needles with an infected person or someone whose STI status was unknown
had a past or current sex partner that told you of their infection with an STI and no protection was used
show any symptoms of an STI

How Can I get Screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections at ECU Student Health Service?

Students should call 328-6841 to schedule an appointment. If you are concerned about privacy when making an appointment, indicate over the phone that you wish to see a health care provider for a "personal reason", instead of saying an STI screening. Specify your preference for a female or male provider, and that you would like a 20 minute appointment

What Will Happen on the Day of My Appointment?

Upon meeting the health care provider, you will need to indicate your reason for the visit. The staff at the Student Health Service recognize that talking frankly and honestly about sexuality issues is uncomfortable for some people. It is important to remember that the more information you share with the health care provider, the better they can work to meet your needs. Quality health care begins with good communication between patients and health care providers. Be prepared to address topics concerning your sexual history, current sexual behavior, methods of contraception and STI risk reduction, and any current symptoms that you may be experiencing. These questions are asked for medical reasons and will ensure the best care possible. All information is confidential. Based on the shared information, your provider will determine appropriate tests for you.

Chlamydia

Incidence and Symptoms: Up to 75% of those infected have no symptoms. Symptoms may appear up to 7-28 days after sex.

Women: Vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding in between periods, burning upon urination, frequent urination, pain in abdomen, sometimes fever and nausea.
Men: Watery-white discharge from the penis, burning or pain upon urination, frequent urination, tender or swollen testicles.

Treatments: Bacterial Infection curable with antibiotics being treatment of choice.

Diagnosis: is made using a swab to collect a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis.

Prevention: Abstinence is the best method of prevention. Use of the male or female condom for vaginal or anal sex will reduce the risks. Barrier devices such as dental dams or condoms should be used for oral sex.

Transmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.

Gonorrhea

Incidence and Symptoms: Of those infected, most will show no symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after sex.

Women: Thick, yellow or gray vaginal discharge, burning or pain upon urination or bowel movement, abnormal period or bleeding between periods, cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.
Men: Thick yellow or greenish discharge from penis, burning of pain upon urination or bowel movement, frequent urination, tender or swollen testicles.

Treatments: Bacterial infection curable with antibiotics being treatment of choice.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made using a swap to collect a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis.

Tranmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Incidence and Symptoms: Symptoms appear 1-8 months after contact with an infected person.

Men and Women: Soft fleshy painless growths around the genital and or anal area. Growths may not be visible to the naked eye.

Treatments: Viral infection with no known cure. Cryotherapy, laser or chemical treatment of growths is often necessary and may need to be repeated.

Diagnosis is made by physical inspection.

Transmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.

Genital Herpes (HSV)

Incidence and Symptoms: Some people have no symptoms. Symptoms may appear 1-30 days after contact with an infected person.

Men and Women: Small often painful blisters that appear around the genital area and anus. Blisters can last 1-3 weeks but can reoccur.

Treatments: Viral infection with no known cure. There are drug treatments available to manage and reduce reoccurrences. Intimate sexual contact should be avoided when soares are present.

Diagnosis: Screening involves site observation and swab of specimen sore.

Transmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.

Hepatitis B

Incidence and Symptoms: Many people have no or mild symptoms. Symptoms may occur 1-9 months after contact with an infected person.

Men and Women: Flu-like symptoms that don't go away, tiredness, jaundice (yellow skin), dark urine, light-colored bowel movements.

Treatments: Viral infection with no specific medical treatment. Adequate rest and good nutrition are recommended for recovery.

Diagnosis is made through a physical exam and confirmatory blood test.

Prevention: Using abstinence, getting a vaccine, and using barrier methods for sexual activity are the best methods of prevention.

Transmission: Transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex, sharing infected needles, and exposure to contaminated blood products.

HIV and AIDS

Incidence and Symptoms: Most infected individuals do not show signs of infection for years after contact with an infected person.

Men and Women: Unexplained weight loss or tiredness, flu-like symptoms that don't go away, diarrhea, white spots in mouth, yeast infections that don't go away.

Treatments: Viral infection with no known cure. Medications will slow the progression and may prevent further complications.

Diagnosis is made via and HIV antibody blood test. This is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL at Student Health Service.

Transmission: Transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex, sharing infected needles, and exposure to contaminated blood products.

Syphilis

Incidence and Symptoms: Symptoms appear 1-12 weeks after contact with an infected person.

Men and Women: Primary stage involves painless sores. Secondary stage involves a rash, flu-like symptoms.

Treatments: Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for cure.

Diagnosis: Screening is with a blood test.

Transmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal, ana, and oral sex with an infected person.

Trichomoniasis (Trich)

Incidence and Symptoms: Many people will show no symptoms. Symptoms may appear up to 3-14 days after sex.

Women: Vaginal itching, vaginal burning, yellow greenish or gray vaginal discharge.
Men: Watery-white discharge from penis, burning or pain upon urination, frequent urination

Treatments: Bacterial infection curable with antibiotics being primary choice of treatment.

Diagnosis is made by using a swab to collect a specimen from the vagina or penis.

Prevention: Abstinence is the best method of prevention. Use of the male or female condom for vaginal sex will reduce the risks.

Transmission: Transmitted primarily through vaginal sex with an infected person.