STI Testing

What are STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are viruses, parasites, or bacteria that are transmitted through sexual activity via bodily fluids or intimate skin-to-skin contact. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI- and they are very common, especially among young people. In fact, people who are 15-24 account for half of new STI infections each year!

Learn more about the different types of STIs .

STI Prevention

The only way to be completely sure you won’t be exposed to an STI is to avoid any kind of sexual activity (oral, anal, or vaginal sex) and practice abstinence. But there are many options to protect yourself and your partner if you choose to engage in sexual activity!

• Talk to your partner- While it may feel awkward at first, to protect yourself and your partner(s) it is important to have open and honest communication. Before having sex, discuss STI testing and safer sex methods.
• Use barrier methods- Using barrier methods like external condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams consistently and correctly helps prevent the spread of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
• Get vaccinated- Hepatitis B and HPV can be prevented through vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider for additional information!
• Get tested- Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you or your partner has an STI.

STI Testing

STI testing is usually quick, easy, and painless. Each STI has its own test, and your healthcare provider can help you determine which ones you should receive.  Tests may involve

• A physical exam – Your healthcare provider may check for any signs of infection such as a rash, discharge, irritation, sores, or warts
• Urine sample – You may be asked to pee in a cup
• Blood sample – Your healthcare provider may take a sample of blood from your arm, or use a quick finger prick
• Swab – Your healthcare provider may take a swab from your penis, vagina, urethra, cervix, anus, or throat to check the cells from these areas under a microscope. Your healthcare provider may also use a swab to test fluid from any sores or blisters.

It is important to be completely open and honest with your healthcare provider so that you get the best care possible. Start by finding a healthcare provider you trust.

You have the right to a healthcare provider who supports your right to make decisions that align with your values and beliefs, answers your questions without judgment, and avoids making assumptions about your behaviors without asking.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your provider, for any reason, trust your instincts and work to find someone new. You can ask friends and family for recommendations or search for providers using these resources.

Testing Locations

Looking to find an STI testing location or other sexual health services?

Here are community healthcare providers offering care at low cost or on a sliding scale:

• Full Circle Health – Provides comprehensive health care with sliding scale insurance options including Medicaid
• ALPHA – HIV/AIDS prevention, STI testing, and harm reduction tools.
• Central District Health – STI testing, family planning and birth control, and cancer screenings
• Terry Reilly Health Services – Provides comprehensive health care. Accepts most private insurances, Medicaid, Medicare and sliding scale discounts.
• Genesis Community Health – Free clinic that serves populations with no insurance and income below 200%  of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Lets Get Checked (online) -State sponsored service that sends free STI tests to your home.

Talking to a partner

It may feel awkward or uncomfortable to discuss safer sex or STIs, but it is an important step to keep you and your partner(s) safe!

Check out some conversation tips! 

Sources:

• Planned Parenthood
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Guttmacher Institute
• National Coalition for Sexual Health
• American Sexual Health Association