HIV & Sexually-Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing / Walk-In STI Clinic
A page within Student Health Center
Confidential sexually-transmitted infections (STI) testing is available at the Student Health Center by appointment or via our walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic. The walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic is available to any student who may have been exposed to chlamydia, gonorrhea and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
To utilize the walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic you must answer “no” to all of the following questions:
- Has a sexual partner tested positive for a sexually-transmitted infection?
- Are you currently having any disconcerting symptoms? (i.e. pelvic or testicular pain, burning with urination, urethral discharge, change in vaginal discharge). The walk-in STI clinic is NOT appropriate for symptomatic individuals.
- Do you have a concern about an assault or non-consensual sex?
- Do you have questions or concerns that you would like to speak to a provider about?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, an appointment should be made with a provider.
Walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic hours: Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m.
Walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic FAQs.
What are we testing for?
Chlamydia- a bacterial infection that often does NOT have associated symptoms. When symptoms are present a woman may experience vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, pain or burning with urination, or pain in the lower abdomen. Men may experience pain or burning with urination. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women as well as infertility. Men can develop testicular infections. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea- a bacterial infection that often does NOT have associated symptoms. When symptoms are present a woman may experience burning with urination, vaginal discharge that could be yellow or green, abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Men can experience burning with urination, discharge from the penis. Gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women as well as infertility. Men can develop testicular infections.
HIV- a viral infection that also causes AIDS. Eleven million people in the US likely have HIV. Rarely do people have symptoms in the first 10 years. There is no cure for HIV. HIV is transmitted through vaginal, oral, anal sex, or contaminated needles. Early diagnosis can lead to slower progression of the disease.
How are the lab tests obtained?
The chlamydia and gonorrhea test are urine tests for men and women. To obtain this test, you must wait at least one hour from the last time you have urinated. No risks are involved in obtaining a urine specimen.
The HIV test is a blood test. The risks involved include minor pain at the insertion site, bruising, fainting, and a rare risk infection.
How long will it take to get my lab results?
Test results will be available within 5-10 days. A nurse will call if the results are negative. The nurse will provide you with basic sexual health information & answer any questions you have.
What if my test results come back positive?
An SHC provider will notify you to set up an appointment to talk about the results & determine the best treatment.
How much does each test cost?
All students are charged a $5.00 fee to obtain specimens at the Student Health Center. There is no additional charge for chlamydia or gonorrhea & these tests are completed together. The HIV test costs an additional $20.63.
What is the best time frame for testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea?
Typically, it is best to wait two weeks from the potential exposure. Many people do not have symptoms & have had the infection for a period of time. The latest recommendations encourage routine screening in men & women who are sexually active with every new partner.
What is the best prevention against STIs & HIV?
The best prevention is condom use with all sexual encounters. Condoms can reduce the transmission of STI's or HIV & reduce the risk of pregnancy.
We also recommend the following immunizations for all adults:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV (also known as Gardasil or Cervarix for prevention of cervical cancer & genital warts)
What we do NOT test for in the STI walk-in clinic:
We are not testing for genital herpes, HPV, pregnancy, trichomonas or syphilis. A provider visit is needed to discuss and test for these conditions.
What about contraception?
If you want to discuss contraception, including emergency contraception, make an appointment with a Health Center provider.
Additional information: http://www.cdc.gov/std/
