The Maine STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) 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.
STI Basics
The following provides basic STI 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 STI 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 persons's ability to become pregnant, if left untreated.
- Partner Treatment for Chlamydia Handout (PDF)
Gonorrhea
- Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea.
- If they occur, symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is infected: it can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat.
- This infection can impact a person's ability to become pregnant 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 STIs 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 STI, 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 female reproductive organs.
- Prompt and appropriate treatment of PID can help prevent complications, including permanent damage to female reproductive organs.
- Female's 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 STI that is easy to cure.
- The infection often has no symptoms although females are more likely than males to get symptoms. You may notice an unusual genital discharge.
- Without treatment, it can increase a person's risk of acquiring HIV.
- Pregnant people with trichomoniasis can deliver premature, low birth weight babies.
STIs and Pregnancy
- When a person is pregnant, STIs can be more serious for the person and their baby.
- A pregnant person with an STI can infect their baby before, during, or after the baby's birth.
- STIs can cause early labor or rupture of the membranes around the baby in the uterus.
- Ask their doctors about getting tested for STIs.
STIs and Infertility
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable causes of infertility.
- Untreated,10-15% of females 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 STIs and related issues.
STI Screening and Treatment
Visit one of our partners to learn more about free or low-cost STI screenings and treatment or visit gettested.cdc.gov for other STI screening sites near you.
| Name | Website | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland STD Clinic | https://www.portlandME.gov/655/STD-Clinic | 39 Forest Ave. Portland, ME 04101 | 207-874-8067 |
| Augusta Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 43 Gabriel Dr. Augusta, ME 04330 | 207-922-3222 |
| Waterville Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 18 Silver St. Waterville, ME 04901 | 207-922-3222 |
| Damariscotta Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 767 Main St. Damariscotta, ME 04543 | 207-922-3222 |
| Farmington Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 193 Front St. Farmington, ME 04938 | 207-922-3222 |
| Lewiston Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 179 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04240 | 207-922-3222 |
| Skowhegan Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 188 Madison Ave. Skowhegan, ME 04976 | 207-922-3222 |
| Thomaston Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 41 Buttermilk Dr. Thomaston, ME 04861 | 207-922-3222 |
| Norway Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 9 Marston St. Norway, ME 04268 | 207-922-3222 |
| Belfast Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 147 Waldo Ave. Belfast, ME 04915 | 207-922-3222 |
| Rumford Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 218 Penobscot St. Rumford, ME 04276 | 207-922-3222 |
| Dexter Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 311 Corinna Rd. Dexter, ME 04930 | 207-922-3222 |
| Bangor Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 68 Mt Hope Ave. Bangor, ME 04401 | 207-922-3222 |
| Ellsworth Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 248 State St. Ellsworth, ME 04605 | 207-922-3222 |
| Machias Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 247 Main St. Machias, ME 04654 | 207-922-3222 |
| Calais Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 10 Barker St., Suite D Calais, ME 04619 | 207-922-3222 |
| Houlton Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 91 Military St. Houlton, ME 04730 | 207-922-3222 |
| Presque Isle Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 5 Martin St. Presque Isle, ME 04769 | 207-922-3222 |
| Fort Kent Family Planning | https://MEfamilyplanning.org/ | 139 Market St. Fort Kent, ME 04743 | 207-922-3222 |