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Common STIs We Test For

We follow CDC-recommended screening guidelines for all STIs*, including:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • HIV
  • Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Trichomoniasis

If you test positive for an STI, your provider will explain treatment options clearly and help you prevent transmission to partners. Many infections are easily treated when caught early.

Why STI Testing Matters

STIs are common, and many cause no symptoms at all—but untreated infections can lead to serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, or infertility. Regular testing helps detect infections early so you can get timely treatment and protect both your health and the health of your partners.

Your provider may recommend testing if you:

  • Have a new sexual partner or multiple partners
  • Experience symptoms such as itching, pain, or unusual discharge
  • Have had unprotected sex
  • Were exposed to a potential infection
  • Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
  • Want routine testing as part of your preventive care

What to Expect During STI Testing

STI testing is simple and discreet. Depending on what’s appropriate for you, your provider may perform:

  • A urine test
  • A blood test
  • A swab of the throat, vagina, rectum, or affected area

Your provider will discuss your sexual history openly and without judgment to help determine the most accurate tests. All conversations and results remain strictly confidential.

Preventing STIs

Prevention plays a key role in sexual health. Your provider can help you build a personalized prevention plan, which may include:

  • Consistent use of condoms and dental dams
  • HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations
  • Regular testing and open communication with partners
  • Safer sex strategies tailored to your lifestyle
  • Avoiding shared needles or items that increase infection risk

Your provider will walk you through practical, effective ways to reduce risk and maintain long-term reproductive health.

Ask Your Provider About STI Testing and Prevention

Sexual health deserves attention and care at every stage of life. If you’re due for testing or have concerns about exposure or symptoms, schedule a confidential STI testing appointment with a UWH of Pennsylvania provider today.

FAQs

How often should I get tested for STIs?

Your testing schedule depends on your sexual activity, partners, and risk factors. Many patients benefit from annual testing, while others may need more frequent screening. Your provider will help determine what’s right for you.

Can I get tested even if I don’t have symptoms?

Yes—many STIs are asymptomatic. Routine testing is important even when you feel completely healthy to prevent complications and avoid unknowingly transmitting infections.

Will my results be confidential?

Absolutely. Your sexual health information is protected, and your results are shared only with you and your care team.

*Source: CDC