The control and prevention of communicable diseases, including Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), is one of the most important functions of Public Health. Treatment has been available for Syphilis and Gonorrhea since the 1940’s, yet these STDs and others are still major problems for sexually active persons today. At the Oklahoma City–County Health Department, we want to help you learn the symptoms of common STDs, what to do if you suspect that you or your partner may be infected with STDs, and learn how to protect yourself from future infections.
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department STD clinic provides low-cost diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Any sexually active person twelve years of age or older may be seen in our clinic. The clinic sees over 700 people each month.
If you are sexually active and would like to be screened, we welcome you to visit our STD clinic. We have an experienced group of RN Clinicians, and LPN’s working under CDC guidelines and OU Infectious Disease Physicians providing excellent care in the evaluation and treatment of STDs.
Our Location
OCCHD is located at 921 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73105. This is one mile east of the Broadway Extension (I-235), across from the governor’s mansion.
The Process
The STD Clinic is a walk-in clinic that opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday and can normally see clients as late as 3:30 p.m. The number of clients seen may vary daily, so arrive early. Clients should take a number which are hanging at the door of Room 112. After a member of the Clerical staff completes the check in process, a public health nurse will perform the examination. The fee for services in the Clinic is $15.00.
Confidentiality
The examination is done in private; no other persons may be present. This includes parents. We do not and cannot acknowledge a client’s presence in our clinic. Results can only be made to the client. Information on ‘release of information’ can be found in the Health Information Services Office. The Clinic will provide translation services, when needed.
The Evaluation
The evaluation includes drawing a small amount of blood for testing for both HIV and syphilis. If a client has symptoms of syphilis, the syphilis blood test result will be made in just a few minutes. The clients normally receive results of the HIV antibody test in about a week.
Examination also includes a visual examination of genitalia and to check for syphilis, the palms of the hands and bottom of the feet are checked (STD Basics). Urethral swab tests and ‘wet prep’ testing is also done to detect the presence of gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Males usually can have infection of gonorrhea detected and treated while at the clinic. The public health nurse will obtain fluid from any sore so a staff microbiologist can test for the presence of herpes or syphilis.
Test Results
Some results may not be available at the time of the clinic visit. Clients receive information on how to receive results and when those results will be available. Clients should ensure this follow up for their own information and in case it is necessary to return to the clinic.