STD Clinic

The mission of the STD Clinic is to intervene in the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to reduce the complications of these diseases. Prevention activities include intervening in disease spread through contact tracing, screening, and providing education in a timely manner. Intervention systems include: surveillance, case detection through screening, treatment of known cases, case follow-up, and education.

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health provides free and confidential services for STD testing and treatment. Patients are seen by appointment. Appointments are made each morning starting at 8:30 am for the following day and are taken until the schedule is full. Therefore, it is best to call 449-7504 as early as possible.

This site and links to other sites contain HIV/STD prevention messages that may not be
appropriate for all audiences.

What to Expect During a Visit to the STD Clinic

Upon arriving at the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a form with information about yourself and reasons for coming to the clinic. Your medical records are of course confidential, meaning no one has access to them except authorized clinic personnel. So that we can provide the best medical care, please be accurate and detailed when providing information.

A clinician will then see you. She/he will review your medical history, perform an exam, and do appropriate STD lab testing. Some specimens will be tested in our on-site lab; others will be sent to an outside lab. You will receive a card at your visit that will have the dates the results will be available.

HIV Counseling and Testing

HIV counseling and testing are also offered at the clinic. These are also done by appointment. Please notify the secretary you would like an HIV test done during your STD exam.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of STDs

For a Female:

Unusual vaginal discharge
Itching and/or burning
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Bleeding after intercourse (sex)
Sores around the vaginal area

For a Male:

Discharge from the penis
Burning with urination
Sores around the genital area

While there may be danger signs and symptoms, you can be infected without knowing it. If your sex partner or the health department contacts you and says you have been exposed to an STD, it is very important to get tested and treated as soon as possible.

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Prevention of STDs

Always use latex condoms with sexual activity
Limit the number of partners you have
Do not share needles
Have regular exams

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General Information about STDs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ø     What do I do if I am having symptoms and I need to make an appointment but there are no appointments available?

If you are concerned about symptoms you are having, call the clinic and ask to speak with one of the nurses so that a plan can be made to best meet your needs based on the symptoms you are having.

Ø     What sexually transmitted diseases do you test for in your clinic?

The STD Clinic tests for the following sexually transmitted diseases: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas (females only), Herpes, Hepatitis, Syphilis and HIV.

Ø     What are some things that I should be aware of when I make an appointment at the STD clinic?

In order for testing to be accurate, you should not have taken any antibiotics in the last four weeks. When scheduling your appointment, please let the scheduler know if you have had any antibiotics.

For females, you should not be on your menstrual cycle (period) when you come to the clinic for testing. If you are, you will have to come back to the clinic at a later time for testing.

When you come to the STD Clinic for your appointment, it is best to arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to fill out your paperwork.

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National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

May 3 - Take the quiz

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