Testing & Treatment

Find STI testing and treatment locations here.

What to Expect

It’s very important to get tested every three to six months (that means at least twice a year, or up to four times a year) to make sure infections are caught early and treated quickly.

Depending on where you go, you may need to make an appointment, but some places are a drop-in clinics (which means you can just show up).

You may feel embarrassed, but there is no need – the staff at these sites are used to testing for all kinds of infections. It’s their job and they won’t judge you. Tell them which STIs you want to be tested for – just saying “everything” does not mean you will be tested for all STIs.

Questions you’ll need to answer

You will see a doctor or a nurse and they’ll ask you about your medical and sexual history. Be prepared to answer questions about your sex life, including:

  • when you last had sex
  • whether you have had unprotected sex
  • whether you have any symptoms
  • why you think you might have an infection

Common STI Tests

There are no tests that can test for an HPV infection.

Blood Test
A health care provider will take a sample of your blood to check for the infection.

  • Syphilis
  • HIV
  • Herpes
  • Hepatitis B

Urine (pee) Test
A health care provider will take a sample of your urine to check for the bacteria.

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea

Swab of Cells from infected area
A health care provider will take a swab of cells off a possibly infected area to check for the bacteria, virus, or parasite.

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • HIV (oral swab)
  • Herpes
  • Trich

Visual Inspection of infected area
A health care provider will look at possibly infected areas for signs of the virus or parasite.

  • Genital Herpes
  • Genital Warts
  • Crabs
  • Scabies
  • Trich

Treatment

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, & Trichomoniasis (Trich) can be cured with Antibiotics—

  • You may receive a single dose of antibiotics (one pill) or a seven day does of antibiotics (one or two pills for seven days).
  • Medication will stop the infection, but it will not repair any permanent damage done by the infection.
  • Getting tested regularly can help make sure the infection is caught and treated early.

HIV, Herpes, HPV, Hepatitis B cannot be cured with medication—

  • Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be destroyed with antibiotics, and there is currently no medical cure to eliminate STIs caused by viruses.
  • There are treatment options that can make living with these infections easier.
  • Ask your health care provider for more information.

 Crabs and Scabies can be cured with medicated lotions and shampoos—

  • Because crabs are passed by skin to skin contact, avoid close contact with others until your treatment is completed.
  • Before using the lotion or shampoo it is it important to kill the mites/lice that could be on other items. To kill the mites:
    • Clothes, towels, bedding and other possible contaminated items should be washed with hot water or dry-cleaned, or bagged for three days to one week.
    • Items that cannot be cleaned should be vacuumed.
    • Ask your health care provider for more information.

Confidentiality

Learn more about your confidentiality rights.