Sexually transmitted infection (STI) Test
Hear this word [sexually transmitted infection s t i test ]
Also known as: STD test, get tested, know your status
Image description: Testing for STIs
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What Is It?
Sexually transmitted infection (S.T.I.) tests are medical tests that confirm if a person has a sexually transmitted infection or not.
An Example
Rosa and Edie are getting tested for sexually transmitted infections together. They scheduled an appointment with a health care provider because Edie has a sore on his penis. Rosa does not have any symptoms, but they know that the most common STI symptom is no symptom, so Rosa agrees to get medical tests to check for sexually transmitted infections, too.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- It is not possible to know if a person has a sexually transmitted infection or not by guessing or simply by looking at a person.
- The most common sexually transmitted infection symptom is no symptom. The only way to know if we or sexual partners have a sexually transmitted infection is to get a medical test that checks for sexually transmitted infections.
- There are different types of sexually transmitted infection tests: some need a sample of urine or blood. Others may use a cotton swab on the inside of your mouth, or the health care provider might take a sample from any sores or blisters on a person’s skin. These samples are tested in a lab to check for sexually transmitted infections.
- If you think you might have a certain sexually transmitted infection or if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, tell your healthcare provider.
- After the sexually transmitted infection test, the provider will share the results. It is best to avoid sexual activity before a sexually transmitted infection test and while waiting for test results to avoid passing any active infections to anyone else.
- It’s best to notify sexual partners about your sexually transmitted infection status and to encourage them to get tested as well. Some health care providers can notify your current and past sexual partners to get tested as well, by using anonymous notification systems.
Think about
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Have you ever been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Getting STI tests can help to build trust in relationships. Knowing your STI status and the STI status of sexual partners can help people feel more comfortable and responsible about practicing safer sex strategies.
If you or sexual partners have not yet been tested for sexually transmitted infections, then contact a health care provider to schedule an appointment for an STI test. Visit the Resource Hub to find a Health Care Provider.
Have you ever asked a sexual partner to get an STI test with you before?
- Sometimes sexual partners will say that they do not need to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. However, if you want them to be tested, then it’s okay to communicate this.
- You do not have to sex with a partner if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. A sexual partner does not have the right to force you to have sex with them if you do not want to do.