SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASEs CONTROL BRANCH

Make STI Testing a part of your sexual health routine!

If you’re having sex, you should get tested.

Did you know that most people who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) don’t know it? That's because the most common STIs don’t have always have symptoms. Regular STI testing is the only way for you to know if you have an STI so get tested! The good news is there are more testing options than ever. You can ask your health care provider to test you during your routine checkups. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STIs, there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing. There are also home tests you can order.

There are different types of tests for different STIs. The kind of test a person gets will depend on the specific type of STI, the symptoms they have (like sores, discharge, or pain), and their own personal medical and sexual history. Based on your information you share with your provider and the provider’s exam, one or more of the following samples may be collected to test for STIs:

a blood sample (from either a blood draw or a finger prick)
a urine sample
a swab of the inside of the mouth
a swab from the genitals, such as the urethra, the cervix, or the anus (self-collection is often available too)
a swab of any discharge, sores, or other skin lesions