What Tests Do I Order and How Often?

Self-order STI Testing is to screen for STIs – no symptoms. If you have symptoms, or you may have been exposed to an infection, please make a medical provider appointment to discuss further and get checked based on your situation.  

Please make a medical provider appointment if you have concerns about herpes. It is not part of the Self-Order STI Program. 

Low risk - (You and your partner have been mutually monogamous (exclusively with each other) for at least a year Have previously tested negative) High Risk - (You have had a STI in the last 2 years You have had more than 1 sexual partner in the last year You have more than 1 partner currently You and/or your partner have sexual activity with others. You misuse drugs, have transactional sex, or have been in jail. You use condoms inconsistently. You are from a community with higher rates of STIs due to social determinants of health)

*More information regarding HIV testing at Cal Poly, SLO here

If you have receptive oral sex and anal sex, get tested in your throat and rectum, too. For example, you can have an asymptomatic STI in your rectum that needs treatment, even though the test is negative in your penis or vagina. Throat and rectal testing are currently available at a "Sexual Health" appointment with a provider (not currently available through our Self-STI Testing).

Window period (or test window): When the test is able to detect the STI after you are exposed

Incubation period: When your symptoms can appear after you are exposed. Remember that all STIs can be asymptomatic, however.

If you have symptoms, or know you were exposed to an STI, please make an appointment with a provider to discuss individual recommendations, instead of using the Self-Order STI testing. This is especially important for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis testing which can be negative up to 3-6 months after exposure.
 
The incubation period and window period vary depending on the specific disease, what type of test is done, and the body part involved. If you have symptoms or think you have been exposed, make an appointment with a provider instead of using our Self-Order STI Testing. They can set up a schedule for testing that is specific to you. Here are some examples: 

Click on the links below to watch videos created by the CH&W department on how to collect specimens on your own. 

Content warning: These video features models of human genitalia for the purposes of demonstrating sample collection.

 

If you are on PrEP 

If you are pregnant, or have HIV/AIDS 

Discuss your specific STI screening plan with your medical provider. Patients living with HIV/AIDS sometimes test every 3 months. If you need a referral to an off-campus provider for HIV/AIDS treatment or obstetrical care, please make an appointment at Health Services. 

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If you have had an unwanted sexual encounter or believe you have experienced sexual assault, first know that it is not your fault, and we are here to support you. 

We strongly encourage that you meet with a confidential Campus Advocate at Safer and seek medical care from Health Services or a local medical provider. If you have experienced harm within the last 7 days, you may have additional medical and reporting options. Medical providers in California are mandated to report injuries as a result of assault or abuse to law enforcement. If you have questions about this, please work with your Advocate and/or medical provider to determine how to best meet your medical needs. 

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, 2021 STI, 2023 Hepatitis B and C; California Department of Public Health, 2022. 

 

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