STD

Welcome to The Division of STD Prevention and Control. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Although STDs are preventable, tens of thousands of new infections occur in Alabama every year.

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s STD Division focuses on clinical and field services for STD testing, treatment, education, and prevention.

Our goals include:

• Early identification of people with STDs who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
• Accurate diagnosis of people with signs and symptoms of an STD.
• Adequate treatment of people infected with an STD.
• Eliminate syphilis in high morbidity areas.
• Prevent the spread of HIV infection.
• Prevent STI-related infertility, adverse outcomes of pregnancy, and cancers.
• Reduce STI health disparities in the community.

Common Types of STIs

• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital Herpes
• Pubic Lice
• Scabies
• Human Papillomavirus Infections (HPV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Complications of Untreated STIs

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women can lead to infertility.
• Epididymitis in men

STD Clinics Services in Alabama

• Testing, treatment, counseling in 64 County Health Departments in the state. Visit your local health department.

STD Field Services in Alabama

ADPH provides confidential counseling of infected individuals, notification services for sex partners, contacts, other at-risk individuals, and partner management through dedicated staff known as the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS).

The DIS provides support for STD testing, infected patient and sex partners referral for treatment, and strategies to prevent the spread of STIs.

• Find a DIS near you. 

The State of Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis in Alabama

• Syphilis rates have increased in every region, in most age groups, and across almost every race/ethnicity. Notable increases are across many communities: gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men (MSM), and pregnant women.
• The recent rise of this trend has caused a significant increase in congenital syphilis cases. Treating syphilis in pregnant women early can prevent premature birth, stillbirth, infant death, and other severe newborn complications.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

A healthier body. A satisfying sex life. Valuing and feeling good about yourself. Having peace of mind. Positive and satisfying relationships. Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Preventing unplanned pregnancies. These are just a few of the important benefits of good sexual health. Being sexually healthy means being able to enjoy a healthier body, a satisfying sexual life, positive relationships, and peace of mind. Being sexually healthy also means enjoying your sexuality and taking care of yourself and your partners throughout your life. Being free to talk about sexual health with your partner and health professional is key to your health.

Report an STD Case

Reporting a case is easy. Click here for more information.

April is STD Awareness Month

Contact Us to request more information on how to:

• Book STD training for a hospital or clinical staff, or non-clinical group.
• Request STD screening event