Sexual health is super important! Admittedly, STIs (sexually transmitted infections… interchangeable with STD in case you’re confused) can seem really scary as a concept, and some of them are. This being said, STI testing doesn’t have to be.
There’s a lot to know about STIs, but to keep yourself safe you just really need some essentials. To start, here are some common misconceptions that might be keeping you or someone you love from getting tested:
- STI testing is always invasive and uncomfortable!
- Nope! Quite a few vaginal infections or STIs can be diagnosed over the phone by a nurse. If you have to make an appointment with a clinician still more can be tested for with a simple urine sample. If not that, you can swab yourself instead of having a nurse do it. That being said, I like to keep in mind that it is highly unlikely that I’ve got anything going on down there that they haven’t seen before.
- My parents are going to know if I get tested!
- Not necessarily! Your medical records can ONLY be released with your consent. Insurance payments may show up on the holder’s statement but free testing does not need to go through insurance! Even if your test isn’t free, many clinics offer alternative payment plan options the day that your testing occurs.
- It’s embarrassing!
- Well, I can’t 100% help with this one BUT it’s nice to know that by getting tested you are doing the entire sexually active community a big favor. 1 in 2 sexually active people in the US contract an STI by the time they are 25. By getting tested you are contributing to lowering that statistic. Also, no one needs to know if you don’t want them to.
- I need to know what I’m worried about.
- Not at all. Your clinician will know what to look for and will tell you everything you need to know once you are there.
Moving on to how you know when you should get tested. This one is a bit tricky because a lot of STIs don’t originally have symptoms. Know your body! If you are sexually active and something feels funky, get tested! If you have unprotected sex with a partner who’s sexual history you are unaware of, get tested! If it’s been a really long time since you’ve gotten tested, get tested! The slightly scary fact is that many STIs won’t show symptoms until you are at risk of long-term or serious damage.
Here are some concrete things to look out for:
- Unusual discharge
- Itching
- Strange smelling pee or discharge
- Pain during sex
- Painful or burning with urination
- Genital skin changes (rash, sore, blister, growths)
- Pelvic discomfort or pain (women)
What to expect from an STI screening:
- Brief questioning about your sex life
- Possible physical examination
- Test
There are a couple of types of tests:
- A urine sample
- Oral, vagina, penile or rectal swab
- Cervical culture and/or
- Blood draw
Payment:
Most STI screening is covered by insurance for little to no cost. University Health Services now offers FREE STI screening for the major STI’s listed above if you are a currently enrolled U of M student or covered under the UHS Prepaid Plan. If you are getting STI testing as part of the Sexual Assault Exam or as a result of sexual assault, there is no fee.
Alternative STI testing facilities for little or no cost testing:
Washtenaw County Health Department 734-544-6700 555 Towner Blvd., Suite 121, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 STD and HIV testing
Wolverine Wellness, lower level of UHS (HIV testing ONLY)
Unified HIV Health and Beyond, Spectrum Center on Monday evenings and at Ypsilanti office (HIV testing ONLY)
The Corner Health Center 734-484-3600 Serving ages 12-25 A wide array of clinical services including sexual health. 47 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Planned Parenthood of Michigan Clinical services including STD and HIV testing, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and options counseling: Two locations:
- 3100 Professional Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
- 2370 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Overall, STI testing is really more of a hassle than anything else. There’s nothing to worry about. Get tested!