Sexual Wellness Program
About Our Program
We provide quality, comprehensive sexual health and wellness services to all persons in Greater Nashua. We focus on sexual, physical, and mental health services while specializing in the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Our Services
We offer a variety of sexual wellness services, including, but not limited to: prevention, exams, testing, treatment, counseling, referrals, partner services (treatment), and more.
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Sascha Stroms RN, BSN
Sexual Wellness Program CoordinatorPhone: 603-589-4519
Testing
If you are sexually active, or planning to be, getting tested is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of you and your partner.
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You can also request a free HIV test kit at home by following this link.
Treatment
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Clinic Schedule
- Thursdays / 2 - 6 p.m. (some Wednesday mornings, call for more information) / 18 Mulberry Street, Nashua, NH / By Appointment: 603-589-4500, #2
- 2nd & 4th Friday of the Month / 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. / Laton House (28 Railroad Square, Nashua, NH) / No Appointment Needed
- 1st Monday of the Month / 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. / ARC NH (180 Elm Street, Suite E | Milford, NH 03055) / No Appointment Needed / Event Page and Updates
Cost
$20 charge per visit. Some tests may include additional fees as noted above. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Sexual Wellness Information
What Causes STIs?
STIs are most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex, although skin-to-skin genital contact can also spread STIs. STIs are not caused by casual contact like hugging, holding hands, or toilet seats. Infections such as HIV and HCV can spread through non-sexual routes such as drug and medical device sharing.
Signs and Symptoms
Many people who have an STI experience little or no symptoms. Others may experience pain, swelling, itching and/or burning, pain or burning when peeing, discharge and/or blood from the genitals, and unusual bumps, sores, or rashes.
Prevention Strategies
The most reliable way to avoid an STI is to not have sex (anal, vaginal, or oral). Other methods of prevention include:
- Engaging in safer sex.
- Using condoms or dental dams correctly and consistently every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
- Engaging in risk-free or lower risk sexual activities.
- Risk-free methods of sexual pleasure and intimacy include mutual masturbation, dry humping with clothes on, and touching your partner’s genitals with your hands (as long as you don’t get any of their sexual fluids on or in your mouth or genitals).
- Lower risk sexual activities include kissing, using sex toys with a partner, dry humping (grinding) without clothes, and oral sex. It is still possible to get an STI from these activities, so using condoms and dental dams to avoid contact with skin and fluids whenever you can helps you stay healthy.
- Reducing your number of sexual partners.
- Staying up to date on vaccines is a safe and effective way to prevent Hepatitis A/B and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
- Not sharing syringes, drug preparation items, or medical devices with others.
- Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Reminders
- Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider to complete the course of recommended treatment.
- Inform your sexual partner(s) of any positive test results so they can get tested and properly treated.
- Do NOT resume sexual activities until a healthcare provider says its okay.
- Talk openly with your partner(s) and provider(s) about sexual health!
Resources
Nashua DPHCS Sexual Wellness Program has teamed up with local businesses to offer free condoms. Participating locations include:
- Hall of Fame Barbershop (62 W Hollis St, Nashua)
- Prestige Barbershop (5 Water St, Nashua, NH)
- Zona Barbershop (6 Broad St, Nashua, NH)
- Radical Autobody Shop (4 Belknap St, Nashua)
- Near Me Barbershop (29 Bridge St, Nashua)
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