Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are a significant problem in Muskegon County. When we studied over 15,000 Muskegon County cases reported between 2000 and 2010, we found that:

• They are more common among those 25 years of age and younger (83%)
• They are more likely to be diagnosed in females (73%)
• There is a large racial disparity with the heaviest burden in the African American community (67%)

(Read the full report here: STD Epidemic: The Burden and the Challenges In Muskegon County)

Testing and knowing your STD status is very important.

• Some STDs are 'silent' and don't cause any symptoms.
• They can cause high risk pregnancies and births, and in some cases infertility.
• They increase your risk for getting HIV if you are exposed to the virus.

The public health department can help you.

• We offer confidential testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. HIV testing is also available.
• Treatment is provided after diagnosis. Treatment can also be given to those who are a contact to Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Trichmoniasis, if proper documentation (proof) is presented.
• If you are 13 years old or older, you don't need a parent’s permission to get tested.
• Free condoms are also provided.

Testing Fees*

*Subject to change. Call (231) 724-1258 to confirm.

Insurance

• If you have insurance, please visit your doctor for testing so that your insurance can be billed. If you prefer to use our office instead of your insurance, you will be charged any applicable fees (see above). Payment is expected at the time of service.   
• If you have Medicaid, we can bill Medicaid for your testing and treatment. Please visit our office and bring your Medicaid card with you. You could also visit your doctor's office for testing and treatment.
  
• If you do not have health insurance, please visit our office. You will be asked to pay as much as you can towards any applicable fees.

For more information, call (231) 724-1258 or email us.

If you test positive for a STD, it is important that you:

• Tell all your partners to be checked and treated as soon as possible. It's likely that he/she has it too. Most people who have these infections don't feel ill, but the infections are causing damage.
• Avoid sex for 7 days after you complete your treatment and 7 days after your partners are treated. This will keep you from passing the infection back and forth.
• Remember being treated for a STD does not keep you from getting it again.

Partner Notification Resources

In Michigan, there is an easy way to tell your sex partners they may have been exposed to a STD. Send a free inSPOT e-card ANONYMOUSLY or from your email address at www.inspot.org.

• The card will automatically provide links to what your sex partner needs to know.
• No personally identifiable information will be collected or shared with any public or private agency.
• Tell everyone you've had sex with in the past six months.
• Please respect the community and don't use the cards to spam.
• Some STDs make it 6-10 times more likely to transmit HIV - no matter who has the STD first.

The STD program also provides partner follow up and treatment for all clients who test positive for a STD in Muskegon County. A Public Health Nurse will go out in the field to find partners and treat as necessary.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

Female clients checked for STD's are assessed for HPV vaccine. We have a limited supply of HPV vaccine available at no charge to women who qualify. For more information on HPV vaccine, call (231) 724-1220.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

All clients checked for STD's are assessed for their hepatitis B status. Clients may qualify to receive free hepatitis B vaccines if they are determined to be at high risk. A client is high risk if he/she meets one or more of the following:

• A household and/or sexual contact of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive person

• A sexually active person who is not in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (for example: a person with more than one sex partner during the previous six months)

• A person seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease

• A man who has sex with other men
• A current or recent injection-drug user
• A person with end-stage renal disease; predialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or home dialysis
• A person with acute or chronic liver disease
• A person with HIV infection
• Persons susceptible to hepatitis B virus infection who are foreign-born from countries of high hepatitis B virus endemicity (for a list of countries, click here).

Clients will be referred to the immunization program for the vaccine.

More public health services you may be interested in:

HIV Counseling & Testing

Immunizations

Family Planning, Birth Control & Pregnancy Testing

Other Useful Links

Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Program Annual Report (2010)

STD Educational Information (CDC)

MDCH - HIV/STD/Hepatitis in Michigan

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Response Program

Michigan's Communicable Disease Rules