Sexual Health Center
The Sexual Health Center is located on the first floor of the Trott Access Center
1001 11th Street, Niagara Falls, New York 14301
(716) 278-1900
Confidential testing, treatment and counseling is available for anyone 12 years of age and older. No appointment is necessary.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are spread from person to person through sexual contact. This includes not only sexual intercourse, but oral sex, anal sex and the sharing of sex toys. These infections can be passed through any contact between the genitals of one person and the genitals, anus or mouth of another person.
The Niagara County Department of Health accepts Medicaid, Fidelis, Independent Health, BC/BS, Univera and NOVA. Patients should bring insurance cards and be prepared to pay any co-pays due at the time of the visit. Your visit will cost no more than $55, however, we will work with you if you are not able to pay this amount. No one is ever denied services based on their ability to pay.
Confidential testing and treatment is offered for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Treatment is provided as indicated by examination results for genital warts, genital herpes and other conditions such as crabs and scabies. Patients qualifying as high-risk are also screened for Hepatitis C. Immunizations against Hepatitis A and B are offered to patients 19 years of age and older.
Confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing is done on all patients screened to be at risk. Post-test counseling and referrals are available for all individuals tested for HIV.
Did you know?
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The CDC estimates nearly 20 million new STIs occur every year in the United States, nearly half among young people ages 15 to 24 years of age.
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Yearly physicals or gynecological exams do not routinely include STI or HIV testing.
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Having an STI can increase your chance of getting HIV if exposed to the virus.
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Most women and men have no symptoms.
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All STI are treatable and most are curable.
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Untreated STI can cause lifelong problems, including:
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Can affect the heart or brain
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Arthritis
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Harmful effects on pregnancy and newborn babies
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Abnormal pregnancies or the inability to have children
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Chronic abdominal (lower belly) pain
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Can even cause death
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Who should get tested?
Anyone who has had any form of sexual activity with a person whose STI or HIV status is unknown.
How to help prevent infection:
Abstinence is the best way to prevent a STI.
If you are sexually active:
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Use a water-based lubricated latex or polyurethane condom with each sex act.
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Use a dental dam when having oral sex.
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Do not share drug equipment.
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Limit your number of sex partners. Having only one sexual partner who is uninfected, and who only has sex with you is safest way to prevent infection.
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Do not have sex with a partner whose status is unknown.
Get evaluated for PrEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), is a once-a-day pill to prevent HIV infection for people who are HIV-negative and at risk of becoming HIV positive through sexual activity or from injecting drugs. When taken correctly, PrEP can reduce someone’s risks of HIV up to 99%*.
In our Sexual Health Center individuals are screened to see if PrEP is the right choice for them. If you are a good candidate for PrEP, one of our nurses will work with you to make an appointment at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
For more information on PrEP, visit the CDC's website - PrEP Basics - https//www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep/about-prep.html
Other Helpful Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8-3uAuZGo&feature=youtu.be
http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/Spanish/default.htm - Español
For more information about sexually transmitted infections, HIV or the services provided by the Niagara County Department of Health Sexual Health Center, call (716) 278-1900.