STI Self Order Program
Testing regularly protects individuals and their partners. It is important to remember that most people who have an STI do not have symptoms. Self-testing is available at the Campus Health and Wellbeing (CHW) for those students who are not experiencing any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
Students who are experiencing symptoms or prefer discussing their sexual health with a medical provider can make an appointment for a Sexual Health Concern- STI at CHW.
CHW offers Self-Order STI Testing
The Self-Order STI Program is to provide students convenient and discreet testing for some of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without an appointment with a medical provider. The program provides an opportunity to reach out to a broader student population and improve patient education and awareness regarding safe sexual practices. When you make a Self-Order Test Only- STI ‘appointment’ on the Health & Counseling portal, you are simply reserving a time slot to test. Be sure to complete the questionnaire when prompted.
When is the right time to get tested?
For sexually active students we recommend you test regularly and make this testing part of your regular health care.
When you test is very important. Sometimes testing too early after sex can produce false negative results. Below is a list of approximate times it takes for an infection to show up in a test after you have been exposed.
|
STI |
Time needed to show up in test results |
|
Chlamydia |
7–21 days |
|
Gonorrhea |
1–14 days |
|
Hepatitis C |
2–26 weeks |
|
HIV |
2–4 weeks |
|
Syphilis |
3 weeks–20 years (depending on type) |
Watch this video to find out more about when to test
What tests do I need?
Click Here for CDC Fact Sheets on STIs
Check out this page if you are looking for more information regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections.
- Self-Order Test Only- STI is available for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV & Syphilis.
- Other STI tests are available by appointment with a medical provider. Sexual Health Concern- STI
- STI Tests & Charges - Cal Poly Health
A word about HIV
HIV (virus that causes AIDS) infection may have no symptoms. HIV risk can be decreased by using condoms and with medications (PEP, PrEP). The blood test detects antibodies to the virus and proteins associated with the virus. The test can be falsely negative soon after exposure, so repeat testing is needed if concerned. Treatment options are available if positive.
Why is testing for Genital Herpes only recommended for people who have symptoms?
CDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms for herpes to confirm that they are infected. These events are called “having an outbreak,” and they appear as blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take weeks to heal. Testing allows a doctor to talk with you about what to expect in the future, which medications are available to help manage any symptoms, and how you can lower your risk of spreading the infection to your sex partner(s).
If you have a partner with genital herpes, testing can tell if you also have the virus. If you are not infected, your doctor can talk to you about ways to lower your risk of getting genital herpes. If you are a pregnant woman and have a partner with genital herpes, it is very important to get tested. If you get genital herpes during pregnancy your baby could also become infected. Herpes infections in babies can be life-threatening. If you are infected, your doctor will talk to you about your diagnosis and the possible symptoms of genital herpes. In addition, herpes blood testing may be useful if you are seeking a complete STD exam, especially if you have multiple sex partners.
Genital Herpes CDC https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm
Understand the Costs
All charges post on your student account.
Charges on your account will NOT list specific reasons for the visit.
- Self-Order STI only testing
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea $10.00
- HIV & Syphilis $9.40 + $3.00 handling fee
- Meeting with a provider
- Charges vary based on what your provider orders
- STI Tests & Charges - Cal Poly Health
Check out this page if you are looking for more information regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Results will generally be available in 1-5 business days.
Negative results will be sent to you by secure messaging on your health portal.
If any test is positive, you will be contacted by a medical provider.
When you make a Self-Order Test Only- STI ‘appointment’ on the Health & Counseling portal, you are simply reserving a time slot to test. Be sure to complete the questionnaire when prompted.
