Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite spread between people through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) can develop from an STI.

 There are many types of STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Many STIs have no symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. People with symptoms may notice abnormal discharge, a burning sensation when urinating, and/or lumps or sores in the genital or mouth area.

How to prevent STIs

• Practice safe sex by using condoms.
• Stay with one uninfected partner.
• Get tested for STIs through your provider or Madison County Public Health’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Program.
• Get vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B through your provider or Madison County Public Health’s Immunization Clinic.
• Do not drink alcohol excessively* or use drugs, as this can increase the likelihood of risky behaviors.

*Excessive alcohol use is defined as binge drinking (4–5 drinks in 2 hours), heavy drinking (8–15 drinks per week), underage drinking, or drinking while pregnant. See the  Excessive Alcohol Use Data Brief  for more information.

How providers can prevent STIs

• Offer Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). EPT is the clinical practice of providing prescription medication for STI treatment without a healthcare visit for the sex partners of patients with a newly diagnosed STI.
  1. EPT is explicitly legal under NYS Public Health Law §2312 and may be used to treat chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. See New York State Department of Health EPT Guidance for more information.
  2. EPT helps prevent reinfection while improving access to care.
• Promote safe sex practices, including consistent and correct condom use.
• Inform patients about available vaccines to prevent STIs.
• Encourage routine STI testing.
• Offer doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of potential exposure to chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Quick Links

For individuals:

• Madison County Public Health – Immunization Clinic
• New York State Department of Health – Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Mayo Clinic – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – STIs
• CDC – STI Prevention Methods

For providers:

• NYSDOH – STI Information for Providers
• CDC – STI Treatment Guidelines
• Current STI Treatment Guidelines (2021 PDF)
• Expedited Partner Therapy – Summary for Health Care Providers
• EPT Questions, Answers, and Best Practices
• EPT FAQs for Health Care Providers and Pharmacists
• Doxycycline PEP for Bacterial STI Prevention

Updated April 18, 2025