Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention & Sexual Health
We provide screening, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. We also provide disease prevention education to the public.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted by sexual contact. They can affect anyone who is sexually active in any way, but tend to be more common among certain groups. These infections ARE preventable. You can take steps to keep yourself and your partner(s) healthy.
Reproductive Rights
Our Position
“Access to safe, legal reproductive care is a fundamental human right – and the weighty decision on whether or not to have a child should be made by a patient in consultation with their doctor alone. New Haven is, and will always remain, a place where no one is denied the right to choose or the reproductive care they deserve.”
From statement to the press by Mayor Justin Elicker, City of New Haven. Read more
Related Legislation
In May 2022 Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 22-19, a first-in-the-nation law that will protect medical providers and patients seeking abortion care in Connecticut who may be traveling from other states that have outlawed abortion. Additionally, the law expands abortion access in Connecticut by expanding the type of practitioners eligible to perform certain abortion-related care.
or call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642)
Prevent the Spread
Safer Behaviors
Talking to Your Partner
Talking to Your Child
Getting Tested
Seeking Treatment
Break the Stigma
Community Resources
Prevent the Spread
Abstaining from sexual contact, or limiting your sexual contacts, lowers your risk of contracting any new STIs. It can also help prevent the spread of infections and certain cancers.
Getting the HPV vaccine can also prevent the spread of STIs. In fact, it’s possible to prevent the most common STI with this vaccine. HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and can help avoid genital warts and some cancers that are caused by HPV.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
- Boys and girls ages 11 to 12, but you can start at 9.
- Everyone under 26 years old, if not already vaccinated.
Safer Behaviors
Talking to Your Partner
Even couples in an exclusive sexual relationship (that is, both agreeing to only have sex with each other) should be tested for STIs. Several STIs can have long incubation periods, which means that symptoms may not show up for years after exposure.
Discuss STIs with your partner(s) before you have sex. Talking about sexual health isn’t easy, but it’s one important way to practice self-care and caring for others.
Talking to Your Child
It is important to have age appropriate conversations with your child about sex and relationships. Research shows that open, regular communication with your child about sex and relationships makes them less likely to take risks with their sexual health.
Get Tested
STIs don’t always have symptoms, but they can still cause problems.
- Talk with your healthcare provider
- Find a location to get tested for STIs
- If you are sexually active, get tested regularly
Testing is the only way to know if you have an STI.
If you Test Positive
STIs can be managed and that means having a good quality of life. Many STIs can even be cured. Starting treatment right away will protect yourself and others.
Ryan White Program
The Ryan White program provides funding for HIV services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk/Danbury, and Waterbury. The Ryan White System of Care consists of six core and five support services.
Core services: outpatient/ambulatory health services, medical case management, mental health, oral health, substance abuse (outpatient) and Health Insurance Premium/Cost Sharing.
Support services: substance abuse (residential), emergency financial assistance, food bank, housing assistance, and medical transportation.
Minority AIDS Initiative funds are dedicated to Intensive Case Management Services that support the service needs for Black and Latino men who have sex with men. Those funds also support Black women and Transgender women of color who are newly diagnosed, late to HIV care and/or those who have fallen out of care.
Break the Stigma
The stigma surrounding STIs can often prevent people from getting vaccinated, getting tested, seeking treatment and having important conversations. It is important to lessen judgment in order to stop the spread of STIs.