STI Testing

If you are sexually active (this includes oral sex), and if either you or your partner have had more than one sexual partner, or if you are not sure, you should get tested.

• Most people who have an STD do not have any signs or symptoms. 
• The only way to know for sure if you or your partner has an STD is to get tested.
• You, and your partner, should get tested before entering into a new relationship.
• If you have an STD the sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treated.

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STD testing is quick, easy, and it usually doesn’t hurt. There’s not a single test for all STDs — each STD has its own test. Your doctor can help you figure out which tests you need. STD testing may include:

• A urine test — you just pee into a cup.

• A cheek swab — you rub the inside of your cheek with a soft swab to test for HIV.

• A blood test — your nurse or doctor takes blood from your arm or a quick finger prick.

• A physical exam — your nurse or doctor looks at your genital area to check for warts, sores, rashes, irritation, or discharge.

• Testing your sores — your nurse or doctor takes a sample of fluid from any sores or blisters you have with a swab.

• Using a swab to gently take discharge or cell samples from your penis, vagina, urethra, cervix, anus, or throat.  

Did you know?

• A Health Advisory was issued by New York State Department of Health outlining a 68% increase of Gonorrhea, in the Capital Region during the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019? The increase is among all racial and ethnic groups, with people who identify as non-Hispanic Black experiencing the highest incident rates. There is also an increase among males ages 20 to 29
• Teens and young adults are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? While this age group makes up about 14% of NYS population, 3 out of 5 STDs were among young people. Although many STDs can have serious consequences if untreated, many people don't have symptoms. Most people don't know they are infected. 
• Chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) are the two most common reportable STDs? Both disproportionately affect teens and young adults. Viral STDs, including genital herpes and genital warts, are not reportable, but are very common. 

STDs are infections that are spread from one person to another, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. They’re really common, and lots of people who have them don’t have any symptoms. Without treatment, STDs can lead to serious health problems. But the good news is that getting tested is no big deal, and most STDs are easy to treat.