Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Program

General STI Information & Resources

What are STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and through infected blood or blood products. (WHO)

Many STIs have no signs or symptoms or only mild symptoms. The only sure way to know if you have an STI is to get tested.

STI Fact Sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Bacterial Vaginosis: English 
• Chlamydia: English 
• Genital HPV Infection: English 
• Genital Herpes: English 
• Gonorrhea: English 
• Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen): English 
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: English 
• Syphilis: English 
• Trichomoniasis: English 
• STD Detection and Treatment in HIV Prevention: English 
• STDs and Pregnancy: English 

For information on HIV: Check CDC HIV Information

For local HIV and Hepatitis C resources: Click Here

For information on MPOX: Click Here

Where to get tested

The best place to get tested is at your regular provider’s office or clinic. If you aren’t already connected with a provider, STI services may be available at the following locations in Santa Cruz County:

• Clinics - STD Testing
• Clinics - STD Testing (Spanish)

If you don’t have insurance coverage for reproductive health services, you may be eligible for these services through Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (FamPACT). The health centers listed above may be able to assist you with getting coverage.

For Teens

In California, teens have the right to confidentially access sexual and reproductive health care. Information about these rights are available here: Your Health, Your Rights (ACLU)

Teens may qualify for FREE and CONFIDENTIAL coverage through the Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (FamPACT) program. Many local health centers can assist in seeing if you are eligible.

Other health-related resources for teens can be found here:

Santa Cruz County Teen Health Outreach Program (THO)

Provider Resources

STI Screening Recommendations:

• California STI Screening Recommendations
• Expanded Syphilis Screening Recommendations
• Opt-Out Emergency Department Screening 

Treatment references

• California STI Treatment Guidelines
• California STI Treatment Guidelines in Pregnancy
• How to Prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for STIs
• For HIV treatment information, visit our CARe Team Integrated Services page. 

STI Case Consultation

• Clinical Consultation Service
• For questions regarding complicated syphilis cases or to access a patient’s syphilis testing or treatment history, providers may contact the Communicable Disease Unit at 831-454-4114 or by email at HSACommunicableDisease@santacruzcountyca.gov.
• CDPH STD Clinical Guidelines and Tools

Reporting STIs

• CDU Reporting 
• STI CMR tip sheet
• For any reporting questions, please contact the Communicable Disease Unit at 831-454-4114 or by email at HSACommunicableDisease@santacruzcountyca.gov.
• For HIV reporting questions: link to CTIS page

Promoting Sexual Health in Your Practice

• Sexual Health and Your Patients: A Provider's Guide
• Essential Sexual Health Questions to Ask Adults
• Essential Sexual Health Questions to Ask Adolescents

STI Prevention

• Doxy PEP for STI prevention in specific populations
• CARe Team Integrated Services