Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

    STDs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common.

    STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STD test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.

    There are dozens of STDs. Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are spread mainly by sexual contact. Other diseases, including Zika, Ebola, and mpox, can be spread sexually but are more often spread through ways other than sex.

    STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STDs.

    Information from the CDC

    Screening and Treatment

    Hays County Health Department offers safe and confidential STI testing and treatments.

    • Testing for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV 
    • Treatment for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

    We refer for treatment/management of any positive HIV tests. Services are available to everyone in Hays County. 

    Cost: $0 if uninsured; not currently treating those with insurance


    Note: No testing available during this time. Treatment is available for uninsured patients (and their partners) who bring in proof of a positive test. Treatment available for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea only.


    

    • What are STDs?

      Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.


      STDs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common.


      STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STD test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.




      There are dozens of STDs. Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are spread mainly by sexual contact. Other diseases, including Zika, Ebola, and mpox, can be spread sexually but are more often spread through ways other than sex.


      STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STDs.


      Information from the CDC

    • STD or STI?

      A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. Many STIs have no symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease. People sometimes use the terms in one another’s place. The primary goal of public health and healthcare is to prevent and treat infections before they develop into disease. As a result, many – including CDC – are using the term STI more often. However, STD is still used when referring to data or information from sources that use the term.


      Information from the CDC

    • Additional Screening and Treatment Options

      Community Health Services

      611 W. MLK Street

      San Marcos, TX 78666

      512-392-5816


      Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-noon (by appointment only)


      Cost: Treatment is available for most STIs. Payment for treatments is on a sliding scale based on income. They also offer expedited partner therapy (the patient can get a prescription for their partner without the partner having to come in or test).




      Texas State Student Health Center 

      298 Student Center Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666512-245-2161


      Hours: M, W, F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; T, TH 8 a.m.-5 p.m., (by appointment, must be a TXST student)


      Cost: varies, call for details


      Many other medical facilities in Hays County also offer STI testing and treatment. Costs will vary.
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