It's Worth Knowing : University Health Services : Texas State University

Student Health Center : Texas State University

STI Screenings and HIV Testing

It's Worth Knowing: Get Tested. Call 512-245-2161 or schedule an appointment online for an STI screening at the Student Health Center today.

What can I expect during an STI Screening?

There are charges for testing needed to screen for sexually transmitted infections. Results will be sent to the Patient Portal in 2-3 business days after your visit with additional instructions if needed.

Tests Recommended During Screening

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
HIV

Other screenings may be recommended

If you have insurance with preventive coverage, testing costs may be completely covered. Visit our Insurance page for more information about the insurance accepted in our clinic.

Expand FAQ List

Other STI Tests Offered
- Herpes
- HPV*
*The only existing test for HPV is a cervical swab during a pap smear.

Frequently Asked Questions About STI's

Expand FAQ List

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. Types of STIs Include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- HIV
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about STIs Visit the American Sexual Health Association webpage for more info about STIs.
What is the difference between STDs and STIs?

Diseases that are spread through sexual contact are usually referred to as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs for short. In recent years, however, many experts in this area of public health have suggested replacing STD with a new term—sexually transmitted infection, or STI.

Why the change? The concept of “disease,” as in STD, suggests a clear medical problem, usually some obvious signs or symptoms. But several of the most common STDs have no signs or symptoms in the majority of persons infected. Or they have mild signs and symptoms that can be easily overlooked. So the sexually transmitted virus or bacteria can be described as creating “infection,” which may or may not result in “disease.” This is true of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few.

Visit the American Sexual Health Association webpage for more info about the difference between STIs and STDs.
How often should I be screened for STIs?
- CDC recommends that all sexually active people be screened for sexually transmitted infections at least once a year. Testing should be done more frequently if a person has new or multiple exposures or is pregnant.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about screening for STIs.
How are STIs spread?

An individual can get an STI by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who already has an STI. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. Some STIs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about how STIs are spread.
How common are STIs?

There are 26 million new cases of STIs each year in the United States. About half of these cases occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about how common STIs are.
What can I do to protect myself from STIs?

Abstaining from vaginal, anal, oral sex and genital rubbing (skin-toskin contact) is the only way to completely eliminate risk of contracting an STIs.
If you do have sex, you and your partner should get tested beforehand. Make sure that you and your partner use an external condom -- every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex from start to finish. It is also very important to know how to properly use a condom. Dental dams and internal condoms are also great ways to protect yourself from STIs.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about STIs and staying healthy.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about dental dams.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about external condoms.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about internal condoms.
If I get an STI, how will I know?

Get tested! Many STIs have no symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so people can have an infection but do not know it. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection transmitted to another individual unsuspectingly. That is why getting an STI test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STI diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about how to know if you have an STI.
Can STIs be treated?

Some STIs, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis can be cured. Others, such as Herpes and HPV, cannot be cured, but can be managed by medicine.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about how STIs can be treated.
What happens if I don't treat an STI?

Certain STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause fertility problems if left untreated. Chances of contracting HIV increase if you have an untreated STI.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about what can happen if STIs are left untreated.
What if my partner and I have an incurable STI?

STIs such as HIV and herpes can be treated but not cured. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help treat your symptoms. Be sure to tell your partner if you have an STI prior to engaging in sexual activity. Being open and honest with your partner is the best way to make informed decisions about your health. People with HIV and other viral STIs who get treatment can live long, healthy lives, and protect others.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more info about incurable STIs.