STI Testing: When AND Where

It’s my favorite question. 

“Would you like to do any STI testing today?”

First: STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections. 

Second: This includes infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomonas. (It’s okay if you don’t know all these names, that’s my job). 

When you get asked about STI Testing, here are few things to consider: 

• Are you 18 to 25? Because this is the highest risk population for contracting an STI.

• Are you thinking about being sexually active with someone new? Get tested so you can show them the deets!

• Are you sexually active with more than one person/you’re not sure if your partner has new partners? Trust but verify my friend, trust but verify. 

• Do you have symptoms? TRICK QUESTION! Most women have no symptoms of an STI (YIKES). 

• Is it your yearly exam and you might as well since you’re here already? YES! Typically STI Screening is well covered by insurance. . . so jump on it. 

Where should all those swabs go?

• Vaginal/Cervical swabs: If you have vaginal sex. 

• Pharyngeal/Oral swabs: If you have oral sex. . . yes, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can live in your throat. 

• Rectal swabs: If you have anal sex: yes, Gonorrhea and Chlyamydia can live in your rectum. 

• Urine sample: If you have a penis you can just leave a urine sample. Yay! People with vaginas can leave urine samples too, but it might not be able to test for everything you want. 

Final thoughts. Ask for and say yes to STI testing. Ask your provider exactly what they are testing for. And make sure you shoot me an email if you want me to take a deeper dive on any topic or cover something you have questions on. Cheers!