Picture this: you’re in bed with someone, and before things progress they ask the classic, “Have you been tested?” And no, you haven’t been, but the only person you’ve been with in years is your ex and he’s only been with one or two people… or maybe three depending on what he meant when he said “hooked up.” Anyways, you’re clean… right? 

Or maybe you just got the fateful, “Hey… I have to tell you something,” text and are now scrambling to find a free Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) test. 

Well, regardless of what your current situation (or crisis) is, we can help. 

STI testing can feel weird and shameful. Sometimes the “rules” or guidelines seem murky, and getting tested may feel like making a declaration about your sex life.

However, STI testing is just another facet of health care, and one of the many things we can do to take better care of ourselves, our partners, and our communities. In fact, we likely should be getting tested much more frequently than we are. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “almost half (48.2%) of reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis (all stages) were among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years.” 

Further, most STIs are asymptomatic, so despite how fine you may be feeling, it’s likely a good idea to schedule that appointment. Now, how frequently you should get tested is largely dependent on the precautions you are taking and the number of sexual partners you have.

It is widely suggested that everyone should get tested once a year if they are sexually active in any capacity, which can include oral, penetrative, and other kinds of sex. However, if you have multiple partners, and/or are not using prophylactics such as condoms and dental dams, a test every three to six months is recommended. 

That said, sometimes it is necessary to get tested as a response to an exposure, rather than as a precaution. Though an exposure can be very anxiety-inducing, if you are exposed to an STI, you actually shouldn’t get a test immediately (unless you were exposed to HIV in the past 3 days, in which case, immediately attempt to access Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, a.k.a. PEP).

There is a wide variety in the incubation periods of different STIs, ranging from one week to a few months, to years. So, if you know which STI you’ve been exposed to, research the particular incubation period. If you are unsure, wait two to three weeks after exposure. It should go without saying that while waiting on results from an STI test, you should avoid sex with others. This waiting period can be stressful but know that the majority of STIs are curable, and the ones that aren’t are treatable. 

So, where should you get tested? For annual testing, see your gynecologist or primary care physician. If you need to get tested in St. Louis, we highly recommend The SPOT. Located on Laclede Avenue, this community organization is a 13-minute drive or 40-minute Metro ride. Their walk-in testing hours are pretty specific, but if they don’t work for you, it’s easy to make an appointment. Among many services, they offer completely free and anonymous STI testing for 13–24-year-olds. The staff is attentive, efficient, and kind, and results come back quickly. 

Ultimately, an STI test is not something to sweat. Largely painless, efficient, and free, testing is an easy and common courtesy that we can — and should — offer our partners.  

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and I urge you to talk to a physician if any more serious questions pop up. I only hope to offer some advice as a peer who has interacted with these systems before.