Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. If you are sexually active or ever have been, getting tested regularly  is an important part of taking care of your health. It's the first step to getting treatment if you need it. It's especially important to get tested if you've had unprotected sex or if you find out that your partner has an STD.  It's also important to get tested if you experience symptoms that could be caused by an STD, although many STDs have only mild symptoms. (Two of the most common STDs—chlamydia and gonorrhea—often don’t have any noticeable symptoms but can have permanent negative effects if they don’t get treated with antibiotics.) Talk with a healthcare provider about what tests you may need. You can contact one of our clinics (at the locations above) to talk about testing options or make an appointment. 

If you are diagnosed with an STD and are sexually active, your partner(s) should also be tested and get treatment if needed. If your partner is unable or unlikely to seek medical care, a program called patient-delivered partner treatment may enable you to give your partner medicine to treat the STD. You can contact one of our clinics (at the locations above) to talk about this option and make an appointment to get tested. 

The CDC provides some great, disease-specific fact sheets to tell you everything you need to know about STDs. Bedsider.org also provides clear, relevant information on the most common STDs, including HPV, chlamydia and gonorrhea.