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What is Sexual Health?
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. While there are many important aspects to sexual health, the Wauwatosa Health Department’s primary role in promoting sexual health is surveillance, education, and prevention regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS.
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection (also known as an STD) that is spread through intimate physical contact from one person to another. STIs are transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs are common. It is estimated that 1 in 2 sexually active people will have an STI at some point.
STIs are increasing in Wauwatosa. The City of Wauwatosa Health Department continuously analyzes data from the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) for state mandated reportable cases of STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis).
Cases are trending up. Special attention should be paid to syphilis which had a 92% increase from 2018 – 2022 in Wauwatosa. STIs are common, especially among young people.
In 2022, there were 419 communicable diseases (excluding COVID-19) reported in Wauwatosa, STIs made up over half (55%). Of the reported STIs, 53% of these infections were in people between the ages of 15 and 24.
How do I prevent getting an STI?
- Abstinence is the only way to completely avoid an STI
- Get tested routinely and with each new partner
- Have frequent and open conversations with your partner(s)
- Use PrEP and PEP
- Get vaccinated for HPV
- Practice mutual monogamy
- Use condoms with vaginal, anal, and oral sex
- Know your partner’s STI status before having sex
Read more about prevention from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Free Condoms – Internal, external, and latex-free: Visit us for free condoms and lubricant. Available anonymously at our office located at 7725 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa WI.
Sexual health teaching: Contact a public health nurse at our information and referral line with questions or for assistance in locating an STI testing center near you. Call 414.479.8939.
Local or state health department staff also do disease investigations and education for Wauwatosa residents who are known to have or are suspected of having an STI which includes, (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis). All services are confidential.
When and how often should I get screened? Good question! The answer depends on your particular circumstances. Check out these CDC recommendations.
Find an STI testing site in Milwaukee County or use the CDC testing site finder.
If you are concerned about informing a partner(s), contact a Wauwatosa Health Department nurse at 414-479-8939. You can speak confidentially with a nurse and ask for assistance in anonymously notifying partner(s) of exposure.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. The only way to be sure you don’t have syphilis is through testing.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly reported communicable disease in Wisconsin. It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb). Chlamydia often has no symptoms but can still cause damage.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can be found in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is the second most commonly reported STD in the state.
If you are concerned about informing a partner(s), contact a Wauwatosa Health Department nurse at 414-479-8939. You can speak confidentially with a nurse and ask for assistance in anonymously notifying partner(s) of exposure.
If you have questions, comments or would like more information about STIs in Wauwatosa you can email [email protected] or call the Information and Referral line at 414-479-8939.