Protecting Your Sexual Health
Any time a person engages in sex or sex-like activity with a partner, there is a chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can contract an STD through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse and genital touching. There are estimated to be 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases/infections each year in the United States alone. Even if a person looks perfectly healthy, they can still transmit an STI and not even know it because symptoms are not always obvious. Many STIs/STDs are curable if they are caught early. If left untreated, many can cause serious medical conditions. Testing regularly and early detection is extremely important.
Symptoms of Some STIs
Sexually transmitted infections can have a wide range of signs and symptoms, but unfortunately, usually have no symptoms at first. That is why they often go unnoticed and can result in future health problems. Watch for these signs:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals
- Painful or burning urination
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin area
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- A rash over certain parts of the body
Anyone, no matter your age, who is engaged or has been engaged in sex or sex-like activity with a partner(s) should be tested.
Get Tested
TESTING AVAILABLE AT THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER
There is no charge for your visit with the healthcare provider or for services performed on site at the PRC. Discounted lab fees may apply. We do not currently bill insurance. If labs are sent out, fees will be due at the time of your appointment. We accept cash, credit, or debit payments. Please see the fee schedule below.
To make your appointment, please text us at 740.591.2273.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your first visit to the clinic will likely last 60-75 minutes, depending on the need for lab draws or procedures. You can expect to discuss which tests are necessary for you with the medical provider during your appointment at the PRC. You will also receive information about the typical signs/symptoms of STIs and ways to prevent an STI.
It is generally recommended that the following tests be ordered during a typical appointment for STI testing: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (urine); HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C (bloodwork); trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast (vaginal swab via pelvic exam for females or urine sample for trichomonas testing in males). If utilizing the lab services through the PRC the total lab cost for a typical STI testing appointment is $52-$56 or $97-$101 for those needing urine trichomonas testing.
Routine screening guidelines for Pap Smears:
- Women aged 21-29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Women aged 30-65: Co-testing with pap smear and HPV testing every 5 years
Please note: If you have an abnormal pap result, you will need more frequent screenings and possible further intervention. Your medical provider will discuss this with you.
| STI/STD testing | Type of test | Lab fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Urine sample | $20 |
| Gonorrhea | Urine sample | Included with Chlamydia test |
| HIV (bloodwork) | Bloodwork | $12 |
| HIV (rapid test in office) | Oral swab or Fingerstick | Free! (For a Limited Time) |
| Confirmation of positive test for HIV | Bloodwork | $65 |
| Syphilis | Bloodwork | $10 |
| Hepatitis C | Bloodwork | $10 |
| Hepatitis B (sAg and sAb) | Bloodwork | $20 |
| Hepatitis panel | Bloodwork | $40 |
| HPV (for women age >30) | Pap smear, visual inspection | $40 |
| Trichomoniasis | Pelvic exam, vaginal swab | No charge for female exam; $45 for urine sample (males) |
| Herpes (HSV) | Visual inspection, swab of a lesion, bloodwork | $29 |
| Molluscum Contagiosum | Visual inspection | Free! |
| Scabies and lice | Visual inspection | Free! |
| Other available testing | Type of test | Lab fee |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Pelvic exam, vaginal swab | Free! |
| Yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) | Pelvic exam, vaginal swab | Free! |
| UTI (urinary tract infection) | Urine sample | No charge for urinalysis, $22 for urine culture if needed |
| Pap Smear (for women age 21-65) | Pelvic exam | $25 |
| Pregnancy test | Urine sample | Free! |
| Pregnancy test (bloodwork) | Blood sample | $7 |
| Procedure | # of lesions | Procedure fee |
| Cryotherapy | 0-3 lesions | $10 |
| Cryotherapy | 4-9 lesions | $20 |
| Cryotherapy | 10 or more lesions | $30 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Often Should I be Tested?
The CDC recommends yearly testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea for all sexually active individuals younger than 25 years old and for any sexually active individual with risk factors such as new or multiple sexual partners. Additionally, all individuals should be tested at least once for HIV. Certain populations may benefit from additional screenings for Hepatitis B & C, syphilis or other STIs. You may need to be screened more frequently if you are at higher risk for contracting an STI, such as if you have multiple partners or change partners. We can discuss your personal risk for STI/STDs at your visit here at the PRC. You can also learn more about your personal risk and what testing is recommended for you at STDWizard.com.
What is the difference between an STI and STD?
What can I do to prevent STIs?
You can be exposed to an STI through vaginal, oral, or anal sex or mutual masturbation and sharing of sex toys. The only way to guarantee you do not get an STI is to practice abstinence, i.e. to avoid having sex. There are many benefits to waiting for sex until you are in a long-term, committed relationship with just one partner. This can significantly reduce your risk of an STI. We call this mutual monogamy. This means that you only have sex with your partner and your partner only has sex with you. Make sure to be tested before becoming sexually active if you or your partner has had past partners and take the time needed to know that you are both committed to only each other.
It is important to know, that not all STIs cause symptoms, and an individual may contract an STI and subsequently pass it to a partner without knowing it. The more partners you have (or that your partner has had), the more likely it is that you may be exposed to an STI. Additionally, condoms can reduce the risk of contracting certain STIs. However, they cannot provide 100% protection against any STI/STD, even when used correctly and with every sexual encounter. Schedule an appointment to talk with a provider and find out what testing you need.