Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STI Care at UVM Health

At University of Vermont Health, we believe in reducing cultural stigma around STI care. We treat all our patients with warmth and sensitivity.

Our specialized infectious disease providers offer full-service sexual health care to established patients of UVM Health. Our Sexual Health Clinic provides on-site vaccinations, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can trust our team of skilled professionals to get you the care you need, in a supportive and caring environment.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the region’s leading infectious disease programs, we offer:

Clinical expertise: At UVM Health, your care is in the hands of clinicians with specific expertise in sexual health, who routinely screen for and treat STIs with ease and sensitivity.
Coordinated, multispecialty care: Thanks to our comprehensive network of specialists, you have access to other specialists as needed. For example, our team works closely with OB/GYNs and colorectal specialists for more complex infections or health needs.
Academic emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts.

Types of STIs

STI screening helps your provider detect an infection. Many STIs don’t have symptoms in their early stages, so screenings are particularly important for getting early treatment.

Our infectious disease clinicians offer comprehensive screening and treatment for all types of sexually transmitted infections, including:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Genital herpes
Hepatitis
HIV and AIDS
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Mpox (monkeypox)
Mycoplasma genitalium
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

Diagnosing STIs

Our providers evaluate and diagnose STIs with a professional and compassionate approach. We aim to put you at ease, answering all your questions and helping you understand your screening options.

We use several tools to diagnose an STI, including:

Health history intake to ask about your symptoms, health history and sexual history
Physical exam to look for physical symptoms of an STI
Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urine tests or fluid swabs to test for specific STIs

Partner Notification

If you test positive for an STI, you’ll be encouraged to notify any sexual partners from the last 12 months. This allows your partners to get tested and start any necessary treatment right away. Notifying your partners also helps to limit the spread of STIs. If you want assistance with partner notification, we can connect you with specialists from the disease investigation specialist (DIS) team at the Vermont Department of Health.

Support Groups

Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. We can help you connect with support groups focused on cancer, dementia, bereavement, diabetes, mental health and more.

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Learn more

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the region’s leading infectious disease programs, we offer:

Clinical expertise: At UVM Health, your care is in the hands of clinicians with specific expertise in sexual health, who routinely screen for and treat STIs with ease and sensitivity.
Coordinated, multispecialty care: Thanks to our comprehensive network of specialists, you have access to other specialists as needed. For example, our team works closely with OB/GYNs and colorectal specialists for more complex infections or health needs.
Academic emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts.

STI Treatment

STI treatment plans vary, depending on the condition. Your doctor may focus on curing the infection or managing your symptoms. With every treatment, our goal is to help you achieve and stay in your best overall health.

Antibiotics for STIs

Antibiotics can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Antiviral Medications for STIs

Antiviral drugs are the first-line treatment for managing and, in some cases, preventing STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes.

Counseling and Supportive Resources for STIs

Learning you have an STI can cause a range of emotions. We understand that there are many unfair stigmas and stereotypes surrounding sexuality and sexual well-being, and our team can provide the emotional support you need to navigate an STI diagnosis.

We offer full-spectrum HIV and AIDS care, including counseling and peer support, through our Comprehensive Care Clinics. For all other STI diagnoses, we can help connect you to support groups, talk therapy or other community resources as needed.