Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most reported infectious disease in Dakota County and Minnesota.
Many STDs have no signs and symptoms, and sometimes the symptoms go away but the STD is still present. If left untreated, STDs can lead to complications. It can lead to infertility in men and women. It can also lead to pregnancy complications and pelvic inflammatory disease in women.
Testing and treatment are important
STD testing and treatment can help reduce the spread of STDs. Syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia cases in Dakota County have risen recently. The highest numbers were reported in women age 15–24 years. It is important to have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested. The CDC has screening recommendations based on age and individual risk factors.
Low-cost STD testing is available
If you are uninsured, there are low-cost STD testing clinics in Dakota County and nearby communities. Most of the clinics test for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), Mpox and herpes. Contact the clinic for details.
Red Door Clinic - Hennepin County Public Health
- Phone: 612-543-5555
- 525 Portland Ave. South, Minneapolis
Clinic 555 - Ramsey County Public Health
- 651-266-1352
- 555 Cedar St., St. Paul.
Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
- Toll-free hotline for confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs in Minnesota: 1-800-78-FACTS.
CDC NPIN: Get tested
- Search by zip code to find low cost or free STD and HIV testing near you.
Preventing STDs
Get the facts about STDs and then take action to protect yourself and your sexual partners. Effective strategies for reducing STD risk include:
- Abstinence: The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex.
- Vaccination: Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV.
- Decreasing transmission: Decrease your risk by taking important steps to protect yourself.
- Getting tested: Knowing your STD status is a critical step to stopping STD transmission. If you know you are infected you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners.
For more information