Primary Care

Mens Health

STD and HIV Testing

Whether you are currently having symptoms that you think may be caused by an STD, or you want STD and/or HIV testing for other reasons, you can make an appointment in person at Student Health Services (SHS), or by calling the appointment desk at 486-2719. You will be given an appointment with a doctor or a nurse practitioner.

All information you give and results of testing are strictly confidential (State of CT AIDS Legal Info).

Available STD Testing At SHS:

• Chlamydia
  Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or a urethral swab, whether or not symptoms are present. For either test it is important that you don't empty your bladder for at least one hour (preferably two) before the test. These tests are generally accurate 1-2 weeks after exposure.
• Gonorrhea
  Gonorrhea can be diagnosed by urine test or urethral swab; it is usually tested for at the same time as Chlamydia.
• Herpes
  If you have a sore or a blister in the genital area, a swab can be taken for herpes culture. If you don't currently have any symptoms, a blood test can be done, but it may not be accurate for up to 4 months after exposure.
• Genital Warts
  Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can only be diagnosed in men is if there are visible bumps or growths present in the genital, pubic, or anal area; there is currently no swab, blood or urine screening test available for men who are asymptomatic and may be infected with HPV. Treatment for genital warts is available by appointment.
• Syphilis
  is diagnosed by a blood test.
• HIV
  HIV testing is done at SHS on a confidential (not anonymous) basis. We offer both a blood test and an oral swab test. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important that you read about our HIV counseling and testing policies. Be aware that it may take up to 6 months for either test to be positive following infection. The Rainbow Center and Health Education Office offer anonymous HIV testing. Please contact their offices for information about their testing procedures.
  • State of CT HIV Counseling and Testing Sites Listed by County

Paying For STD Testing:

1. Cash or Check: you may pay by cash or check at the time of your appointment. (costs are reasonable: a complete STD screen including HIV test is about $100, depending on the specific tests requested)
2. You can charge the tests to your fee bill; charges will show up as a "miscellaneous" SHS fee.
3. If you choose to bill your insurance for a HIV test and complete STD screen, it is a good idea to call your insurance company (there should be a phone number on your card) to make sure they will cover the tests. Make sure to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. Most insurance companies will cover for STD testing if you are currently experiencing symptoms.