Sexual Health Services in Pittsburgh

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES & AIDS

If you think you might have contracted a sexually-transmitted disease (STD), the first thing to remember is early detection and treatment are important. STOP HAVING SEX and GET TESTED!!

The virus called "HIV" causes AIDS. People become infected with HIV when it gets into their bloodstreams. This typically occurs during sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal, or oral) or through direct transmission of blood from an infected person (shared needles for an injection, or transfusion). Anyone infected with HIV is presumed to be infectious to others and may remain so for life.

Some people have been infected with HIV for several years and have not developed AIDS. More typically, people infected with HIV develop symptoms of AIDS within ten years. Some of the symptoms are: a sudden drastic weight loss; persistent swollen lymph glands; a dry nagging cough (for at least two weeks and not from smoking); a thick white coating on the tongue or throat (thrush); fever or diarrhea that won't go away (for two weeks or more); or feeling tired all of the time. These can be symptoms of other diseases, so check with a doctor.

AIDS does not discriminate between race, age or sexual preference. Of those infected, 20% are between the ages of 20-29. This means many of them became infected in their late teens or early twenties! It is very important to be informed, but it is most important to practice safe sex all the time, every time. Sex is not safe without condoms unless you and your monogamous partner have been tested negative for HIV antibodies twice in six months — initially and then six months later.

Pennsylvania Department of Health/State AIDS Factline - (800-662-6080)
Persad Center
5150 Penn Avenue (1-866-366-6771)

Persad Center, Inc. is the nation's second oldest licensed counseling center. specifically created to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In addition, Persad Center is an AIDS Service Organization providing counseling to persons with HIV Disease. www.persadcenter.org
Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) - (412-242-2500) Provides AIDS education, testing & support for people with HIV/AIDS.

CONTRACEPTION

Contraceptive education, counseling and other sexual health services are readily available to both sexes. Taking care of this aspect of well-being is extremely important to college students for many valid reasons.

Most GP's and family practitioners will also provide contraceptive advice, but if you prefer not to go to your doctor or health center, then you may consider one of these other organizations that provide contraception and contraceptive counseling at a nominal fee. When looking into organizations outside your school, consider location, confidentiality and price. Be open. This is not a time for modesty and shyness; it's your body.

Adagio Health - Downtown (412-288-2140) Call for other locations.
Allegheny Women's Center
121 N. Highland Ave., East Liberty (800-624-2543 or 412-362-2920)
Pregnancy testing, Morning After treatment, abortions services to 16 weeks, contraception available, insurance plans accepted, VISA & Mastercard. Mention the Student Guide to Pgh for $20 off any service. www.alleghenywomenscenter.com
Planned Parenthood - Downtown (412-434-8971) Call for other locations.

Still can't find it? It may be under a different listing — check out the Pregnancy Services listings or Health Services in Pittsburgh directory.

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