Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.

STDs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common.

STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STD test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.

There are dozens of STDs. Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are spread mainly by sexual contact. Other diseases, including Zika, Ebola, and mpox, can be spread sexually but are more often spread through ways other than sex.

STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STDs.

Information from the CDC

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. Many STIs have no symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI and the term implies that the infection has led to some symptom of disease. People sometimes use the terms in one another’s place. The primary goal of public health and healthcare is to prevent and treat infections before they develop into disease. As a result, many – including CDC – are using the term STI more often. However, STD is still used when referring to data or information from sources that use the term.

Information from the CDC

Hays County Health Department offers safe and confidential STI testing.

Testing for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

We refer for treatment/management of any positive HIV tests. Services are available to everyone in Hays County. 

Cost: $0 if uninsured; not currently treating those with insurance

Note: No testing available during this time. Treatment is available for uninsured patients (and their partners) who bring in proof of a positive test. Treatment available for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea only.

Hays County Health Department offers safe and confidential STI treatment for: chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Community Health Services

611 W. MLK Street

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-392-5816

Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-noon (by appointment only)

Cost: Treatment is available for most STIs. Payment for treatments is on a sliding scale based on income. They also offer expedited partner therapy (the patient can get a prescription for their partner without the partner having to come in or test).

Texas State Student Health Center 

298 Student Center Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666512-245-2161

Hours: M, W, F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; T, TH 8 a.m.-5 p.m., (by appointment, must be a TXST student)

Cost: varies, call for details

Many other medical facilities in Hays County also offer STI testing and treatment. Costs will vary.