A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an STI, and the term implies the infection has led to some symptom of disease.

The most common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Visit the CDC website for more common STIs.

Symptoms of STIs include a burning sensation and/or discharge when using the bathroom, unusual sores and/or rashes, and abdominal pain. 

However, many STIs have no symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so people can have an infection but not know it. That is why getting an STI test is important if you are having sex.

If you receive a positive STI diagnosis, know that all STIs are treatable with medicine, and some are curable entirely.

To get treated, you should contact your healthcare provider or call Rock County Public Health at 608-757-5440 for assistance in finding treatment options.

If you are concerned about having an STI, it is important to ensure the health of your sexual partner(s) is also protected. In addition to your partner(s) getting tested for STIs, you can ask your healthcare provider about expedited partner therapy (EPT). If an individual is being treated for an STI, EPT allows the individual's partner(s) to also receive treatment without having a diagnosis themselves.

The Rock County Board of Health adopted an EPT position statement in February 2025. To learn more about EPT, please call us at 608-757-5440 or complete our Contact Public Health form.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

In addition to Oral HIV Test Kits, Rock County Public Health can help connect you to other prevention, testing, and treatment resources to ensure you are able to protect yourself from HIV.

Visit our HIV Partner Services webpage for more information.