Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing

When is it a good idea to get tested?

• If a condom broke or wasn't used during a recent encounter
• When you start seeing someone new or have several partners at once
• If someone you were with tells you they have an infection
• If sores, warts, odd discharge, burning or itching show up on your genitals
• When you and a steady partner are thinking about going without condoms

What is the visit like?

1. You fill out your information at the front desk; what you discuss inside stays between you and the medical team.
2. You're asked about symptoms, the date of the possible exposure and your sexual practices, with no lecturing.
3. Depending on your case, samples are taken from blood, urine or a swab of the affected area.
4. You're told when and how we'll reach you with the results.

Why does the exposure date matter?

Some infections take weeks to show up on tests, even though they're already in the body. If you test too early, the result may be negative and change later. The medical team tells you whether to repeat it down the line so you can truly have peace of mind.

While you wait for results, the safest choice is no sex or always using a condom.

What happens if a test is positive?

We let you know as soon as results come in and set up a visit to go over them. Many infections are cured with the prescribed treatment, and those that can't be cured can be managed; medicines prescribed during the visit are handed to you at the clinic. We also guide you on how to tell your partners so they get checked, when it's okay to have sex again, and whether a referral to a specialist is needed. If you'd rather avoid a busy waiting room, the last hours of the evening, before we close at 9 PM, tend to be quieter.