The Maine STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Program is federally funded to focus on activities pertaining mainly to chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and working closely with the HIV Program to assist with specific follow up activities related to HIV. Our work involved collaboration with many community and state partners.
STD Basics
The following provides basic STD information. Explore the rest of our site to learn more.
Chlamydia
- Most people who have chlamydia don't know it since the disease often has no symptoms.
- The most commonly reported STD in the U.S. and Maine.
- Sexually active females 25 years old and younger need testing every year. (U.S. CDC)
- It is easy to cure, but can impact a woman's ability to have children, if left untreated.
- Partner Treatment for Chlamydia Handout (PDF)
Gonorrhea
- Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea.
- If they occur, symptoms in men and women vary depending on what part of the body is infected: it can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat.
- This disease can impact a woman's ability to have children if left untreated.
- Partner Treatment for Gonorrhea Handout (PDF)
Syphilis
- Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages.
- Signs and symptoms include a firm, round, small, and painless sore on the genitals, anus, or mouth, or a rash on the body, especially on the palms or the soles of the feet.
- Syphilis Flyer (PDF)
Congenital Syphilis
- Syphilis cases are on the rise in Maine, especially among women of reproductive age. Test for all STDs regularly. If you are pregnant, test for syphilis at your first prenatal visit or at least once in your pregnancy and get treated early to keep you and your baby healthy.
- More about Congenital Syphilis -- U.S. CDC
- Congenital Syphilis Flyer (PDF)
Genital Herpes
- Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people who have it do not know they have it.
- You can get genital herpes even if your partner shows no signs of the infection.
- If you have any symptoms (like a sore on your genitals, especially one that periodically recurs) lab tests can help determine if you have genital herpes.
- There is no cure, but there is treatment to reduce symptoms and transmission risk.
HPV
- Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and most people infected with HPV do not know they have it.
- There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genitals, mouth, and throat.
- There is a vaccination to prevent infection. Talk to a health care provider to learn more.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- PID occurs when certain bacteria, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, move into a woman's reproductive organs.
- Prompt and appropriate treatment of PID can help prevent complications, including permanent damage to female reproductive organs.
- Women can protect themselves from PID by getting early treatment if they have any genital symptoms such as vaginal discharge, burning during urination, abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Trichomoniasis ("Trich")
- Is a common STD that is easy to cure.
- The infection often has no symptoms although women are more likely than men to get symptoms. You may notice an unusual genital discharge.
- Without treatment, it can increase a person's risk of acquiring HIV.
- Pregnant women with trichomoniasis can deliver premature, low birth weight babies.
STDs and Pregnancy
- When a woman is pregnant, STDs can be more serious for her and her baby.
- A pregnant woman with an STD can infect her baby before, during, or after the baby's birth.
- STDs can cause early labor or rupture of the membranes around the baby in the uterus.
- Ask their doctors about getting tested for STDs.
STDs and Infertility
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable causes of infertility.
- Untreated,10-15% of women with chlamydia develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and "silent" infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
Learn more about these STDs and related issues.
STD Screening and Treatment
Visit one of our partners to learn more about free or low-cost STD screenings and treatment or visit www.hivtest.org for other STD screening sites near you.
Southern Region
| Name | Address | Phone # |
|---|---|---|
Planned Parenthood of Northern N.E. | 970 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04104 | (207)797-8881 |
Planned Parenthood of Northern N.E. | 886 Main St., Suite 302 Sanford, ME 04073 | (207)324-9385 |
Planned Parenthood of Northern N.E. | 4 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 101 Topsham, ME 04086 | (207)725-8264 |
Planned Parenthood of Northern N.E. | 281 Main St. Biddeford, ME 04005 | (207)282-6620 |
Portland STD Clinic | 39 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04101 | (207)874-8446 |
Central Region
| Name | Address | Phone # |
|---|---|---|
Family Planning Association of Maine | Pine Grove Plaza 767 Maine St. Route 1B Damariscotta, ME 04915 | (207)563-1224 |
Family Planning Association of Maine | 43 Gabriel Dr. Augusta, ME 04332 | (207)626-3426 |
Family Planning Association of Maine | 22 White St. Rockland, ME 04841 | (207)594-3114 |
Family Planning Association of Maine | 147 Waldo Ave. Belfast, ME 04915 | (207)338-3736 |
Lewiston STD Clinic | 179 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04243 | (207)795-4019 |
Lincoln Health Services | 115 Maine St. Lincoln, ME 04457 | (207)794-3313 |
Skowhegan Family Planning | 26 Mary St. Skowhegan, ME 04976 | (207)859-2507 |
Waterville Family Planning | 101 Water St. Waterville, ME 04901 | (207)859-1638 |
WMCA - Farmington | 193 Front St. Farmington, ME 04938 | (207)778-4553 |
Northern Region
| Name | Address | Phone # |
|---|---|---|
ACAP Health Services | 169 Academy St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 | (207)768-3062 |
Bangor STD Clinic | 103 Texas Ave. Bangor, ME 04401 | (207)992-4547 |
Dexter Health Service | 311A Corinna Rd Dexter, ME 04930 | (207)924-7383 |