Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Many STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can cause serious health problems. STDs can also increase the chances of getting HIV.

 

What you should do

Protect yourself and your partners from STDs

• Limit your number of sexual partners and/or consider abstaining from sex;
• Use condoms during sex. (The Department of Health distributes free condoms at many locations across the state);
• Use condoms correctly;
• Use of alcohol and drugs can increase your chances of engaging in risky sexual behavior. Avoid use of alcohol and drugs during sexual activity;
• Consider going on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection.
• You can find more information about STDs, locate free condoms, find health services, and explore testing options by downloading the RIghtTime app. 
• You can find information for young people about sexual and reproductive health, including finding free condoms and care in RI, on the RIghtToKnow app.

TALK

• Talk openly with your partner and health care provider about sexual health and STDs;
• Talk with your healthcare provider about your sex life, and ask what STD tests you should be getting and how often;
• If you're not sure how to talk to your partner, check out tips for starting the conversation.

TEST

Get an STD check-up

People who are sexually active should get checked for STDs at least once a year, even if they don't have any symptoms. There are many options for getting tested for STDs in Rhode Island, including:

• Talk to your primary care doctor about getting checked for STDs;
• Learn about RIDOH's TESTING 1-2-3 program, which offers HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing without a doctor’s visit.
• Go to the Miriam Hospital STI Clinic, which has regular walk-in hours.
• Any urgent care center if you have symptoms;
• Visit a Community Health Center Express Clinic (you don't have to be an established patient). These include:
  • Blackstone Valley Community Health Center's Express Health Care in Central Falls and Pawtucket;
  • Providence Community Health Center's Express Clinic;
  • Thundermist Health Centers Convenient Care in Wakefield, West Warwick, and Woonsocket;
• Go to a CVS Minute Clinic for testing.
• For free rapid HIV testing, go to ACOS, APRI, Project Weber/RENEW, Sojourner House, or Agape Drop-In Centers in Providence and Woonsocket.
• Contact or visit Open Door Health’s Express Screening Clinic.
• Contact the Infectious Disease Clinic at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. 

TREAT

Most STDs can be cured with antibiotics. Other STDs are not curable, but can be treated. To make sure your treatment works, don't share your medicine with anyone, and avoid having sex again until you and your sex partner(s) have each completed treatment. If you are diagnosed with an STD, it's important to tell your partners to get checked so that you don't get re-infected.