Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing
August 1, 2023DATE: August 1, 2023
TO: DeKalb County News Media
FROM: DeKalb County Health Department
Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing
The DeKalb County Health Department now has Rapid Point-of Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing available. This new method of testing will allow clients to receive same-day or next-day results. If the test is positive, clients can receive same-day treatment (when they receive same-day results).
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and Niesseria gonorrhoea, respectively. Both types of bacteria are spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact.
The CDC reported a total of 1,644,416 cases of Chlamydia infection and a total of 710,151 cases of Gonorrhea infection, making them the two most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States for 2021.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea often have no symptoms, meaning individuals and their partner(s) could be infected and have no idea. Among other health concerns, untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections can cause serious and permanent health problems in both men and women. They may lead to conditions such as:
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),
- tubal factor infertility,
- ectopic pregnancy,
- and chronic pelvic pain.
Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. The CDC recommends yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active men and women younger than 25 years, as well as older individuals with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
“We are really excited about this new service. We anticipate less reliance on the Emergency room and better compliance with treatment” says Holly Kuhn, Family Planning Program Coordinator. “These STI’s are in our community and we want to be part of the solution by helping provide quicker treatment and education on safer sex.”
Medicaid and private insurance are billed when applicable; clients must check with their medical insurance carrier for eligibility benefits in- and out-of-network. No HMO plans are accepted. Payment is requested at the time of service, and can be made by cash, checks and credit/debit cards with valid identification.
For any questions, contact the Family Planning staff at 815-748-2420. For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/family-planning-reproductive-health-services/. To learn more about the many programs and services of the Health Department, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/.
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Family Planning Program Rolls Out Rapid Point-of-Care Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing