What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most prevalent infectious conditions worldwide, with the CDC estimating over 26 million new cases annually in the United States. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), trichomonas, and HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms, making routine testing and prompt evaluation of potential exposures critically important for individual and public health.
Telehealth is highly effective for STI care. A clinical encounter can assess symptom history, risk factors, and exposure timeline, and result in same-day laboratory orders sent to a local Quest, LabCorp, or health department site in DE, MD, or WA. For infections with well-defined treatment protocols — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas — treatment can often be initiated empirically or upon lab confirmation via a follow-up message or visit.
your board-certified provider, approaches all STI-related care with clinical precision and without judgment. All visits are strictly confidential and HIPAA-compliant. He is licensed to practice in DE, MD, and WA.
Common STI Symptoms
Unusual genital discharge (yellow, green, gray)
Burning or pain with urination
Genital sores, ulcers, or blisters
Rash including on palms or soles (possible syphilis)
Pelvic pain or lower abdominal cramping
Pain or swelling in the testicles
Itching, redness, or irritation in the genital area
Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (proctitis)
How Innocre Treats STIs Online
Your telehealth visit begins with a detailed, confidential history: symptoms, sexual history, last exposure, partners, and prior STI testing or diagnosis. Based on your presentation, your provider will either order appropriate laboratory testing sent to a local lab you choose, or — for high-risk exposures with clear symptom patterns — discuss empiric treatment options.
Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days (preferred by current CDC guidelines) or azithromycin 1 g single dose. Trichomonas is treated with metronidazole 2 g single dose. Herpes antivirals include valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir for episodic or suppressive therapy. Gonorrhea treatment requires ceftriaxone injection, which we will coordinate with a local clinic. All lab results are reviewed by your provider and communicated through the secure Charm patient portal.
Partner notification guidance and referrals to sexual health resources are available. your provider is licensed in DE, MD, and WA. PrEP for HIV prevention can also be evaluated during your visit.
⚠️ When to Go to the Emergency Room
Telehealth is appropriate for most STI evaluations. However, seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- • Severe pelvic inflammatory disease with fever, inability to walk, or peritoneal signs — requires IV antibiotics
- • Testicular pain and swelling (epididymo-orchitis) worsening despite oral treatment
- • Signs of disseminated gonococcal infection: joint pain, skin lesions, high fever
- • HIV exposure within 72 hours — go to the ER immediately for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- • Syphilitic neurological symptoms: sudden headache, confusion, vision or hearing changes