Want to get tested?
Way to go!
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important way to take care of yourself and your sexual partners.
Who should get tested?
Anyone who has had any type of sexual activity. Even if it's been a while since you had sex or if you only have one partner, it is recommended to regularly get tested for STIs.
How can I get tested during STI Testing Week?
There are many organizations participating in STI testing week. If you go to the "Participating Sites" page on this website, you will see a list of sites including locations and hours.
Each site is participating on different days. Many sites offer STI testing as part of their regular services. There may be a cost with being tested at a time other than STI Testing Week.
If you don't see a site that is convenient for you, talk with your healthcare provider about whether they offer STI testing or have a recommendation about a place to go.
What types of STIs can I be tested for?
Common STIs to be tested for are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. If you are interested in being tested for another STI or have another sexual health need, talk with the site you're going to.
If you are looking for more information about about STIs, we recommend checking out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Minnesota Department of Health websites.
How do you test for a STI?
It depends on the STI you're being tested for. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be tested for by peeing in a sample cup or with a swab.
HIV can be tested for with a blood sample or a mouth swab.
Syphilis can be tested for with a blood sample.
If you have questions about how the place you're going to tests for STIs, you can ask them. They are there to answer your questions and give you the information you need!
What if I test positive for a STI?
If you test positive for a STI, the medical provider will follow up with you about next steps. Next steps include things like treatment, connections to resources, and information about how to reduce your chances of getting an STI again, like using condoms.
If you test positive, it is really important that you talk with all of the people you had sex with so they can get tested. If you're nervous, you can talk to your medical provider about the best way to do this!
What does it cost?
All of the organizations participating in STI Testing Week are offering low cost or no cost testing.
Where can I get more information about sexual and reproductive health?
Here are some good resources to learn more about sexual and reproductive health:
www.teenshealth.org/en/teens/sexual-health/
MN Family Planning and STD Hotline: 1-800-783-2287
Find Statistics on HIV/AIDS and other STDS from the Minnesota Department of Health
Questions? Contact crushstimn@gmail.com