STI (aka STD) Testing

What is an STI?

An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, refers to an infection that can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as other forms of intimate contact where bodily fluids are exchanged.

STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, and they can affect both men and women. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and trichomoniasis.

Not all people who have an STI will develop symptoms. In fact, some STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning a person may not show any signs but can still transmit the infection to others. Regular testing, practicing safe sex, and open communication with sexual partners are important in preventing and managing STIs.

When (and who) should you get an STI test?

Different screening tests are appropriate for different people, depending on any symptoms, what kind of sexual contact you’ve had (like vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or anything that involves skin-to-skin genital contact or passing sexual fluids), if you or your partner has ever had an STD before, and whether you use condoms and/or dental dams. Here are some general guidelines:

• Did you know?

  The CDC estimates that one in five Americans has an STD. Young adults from ages 20 to 34 have the highest rates of infection.

  All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
• People who are assigned female at birth (AFAB), who are than 25 years, and who have had sex should be screened every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Testing can be done at any time if you are concerned about a recent possible exposure.
• People who are AFAB, who are older than 25, and who have sex with more than one partner and/or do not use condoms should be screened every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Testing can be done at any time if you are concerned about a recent possible exposure.
• People who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) who have sex with other people who are AMAB should be screened at least once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. This should involve testing of any body parts that could be infected, including the throat and/or rectum. AMAB people who have sex with AMAB people should also be screened at least once for hepatitis A, B, and C.
• Pregnant people should be screened for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. They should also be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea if they are younger than 25 years old or are having sex with more than one partner.
• All people who are infected with HIV should be screened at least once for hepatitis A, B, and C. They should also be screened at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Females who are infected with HIV should be screened at least once a year for trichomoniasis. Males who are infected with HIV, and who have sex with males with HIV, should be screened at least once a year for hepatitis C.
• Transgender and gender-diverse people should be screened based on their anatomy and sex habits.

What to expect during your appointment

An STI testing appointment is a confidential and essential healthcare visit designed to assess your sexual health and detect any potential infections. During the STI testing visit, each patient completes a form to self-select the tests they desire which may include urine sample, blood draw, throat or anal culture. Your provider will then reach out to you in about a week to discuss the results of your tests.

Signs and symptoms of a potential STI

Many STIs do not cause any symptoms. The best way to know for sure if you have an STI is to be screened. In general, watch out for any genital itching, burning, sores, or discharge. But be aware that many STIs do not cause any symptoms.

What if your STI test is positive? What are potential treatment plans?

If you do have an infection, you might need to inform all sexual partners within the last 6 months or since your last negative STI test. Those partners should also be tested. There are anonymous ways to inform previous sexual partners such as:

• Tell Your Partner
• STD Check
• Let Them Know

What if my STI test is negative?

If your STI screening came back negative, this is great news! If you had this STI screening due to a recent possible exposure, we recommended retesting in 1 month. Many STIs do not cause any symptoms, but if you begin to experience any genital itching, burning, sores, or discharge, we recommend retesting sooner and scheduling a STI consult appointment. The STI Consult appointment is with a Tia medical provider and will include an exam, testing, and treatment if appropriate.

How can you prevent future STIs?

There is no definite way to prevent all STIs, but there are ways to lower your risk:

• Use a condom for every sexual encounter. Dental dams, external and internal condoms can protect against STIs. Condoms made out of "natural materials," such as sheep intestine, do not protect against STIs.
• Ask your provider if there are any vaccines you should get. If you are 26 years old or younger, you can get a vaccine to protect against HPV, which causes genital warts and cervical cancer. Hepatitis A or B are also a consideration in some populations.
• If your partner has herpes, they can reduce the chances of infecting you by taking a medicine called valacyclovir (brand name: Valtrex). You can discuss these options further with your provider by scheduling a virtual or in-person visit.
• If you are at high risk of catching HIV, you might be able to take a daily pill (PrEP - Pre-exposure prophylaxis) daily to reduce risk of infection. You can dicsuss this option further with your provider by scheduling an STI Consult visit.