Why should I get tested for STIs?

If you’re sexually active, you probably know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs): infections that are spread through sexual contact. They can happen to anyone who’s sexually active, and one in five Americans currently have one.

Even though STIs are very common, they’re treatable, and some are curable, some people feel nervous about going to get tested, whether it’s because of the stigma around STIs or because they don’t know what getting an STI test is like.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “why should I go get an STI test? It’s awkward to talk about, I’m nervous about going to the doctors, and I don’t even have any symptoms!” – keep reading for some reasons to consider getting tested this STI Awareness Month.

STIs are treatable and some are even curable

The stigma around STIs can make a positive STI result feel scary to some people. Evergreen Health is here to reassure you that a positive test result is manageable: everything we test for, we can treat, and some STIs are even curable.

If you have a positive STI result, your provider will discuss treatment options with you. If you test positive for hepatitis C, you can start treatment right away, and most people can be cured of hepatitis C with very few side effects.

If you test positive for HIV, you can start treatment right away. People living with HIV who start treatment early-can expect to live healthy lives, and most will reach undetectable status (meaning they can’t pass the virus to others) in less than 2 months of treatment.

It’s possible to have an STI with no symptoms

Many STIs can have no symptoms, meaning the only way to know if you have one is to get tested. This goes for your partners, too – if they have an STI with no symptoms, they could pass it to you.

“But if I don’t have symptoms, what is there to worry about?”

Some STIs can have no symptoms and still cause serious health issues for you or your partners. For example, if untreated, HPV can lead to cervical cancer; and chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and a loss of fertility.

Getting screened for STIs regularly can help you catch any infections early on and prevent bigger issues down the line.

Take care of yourself and your partner(s)

Talking to your sexual partner(s) about STIs can feel intimidating, but chances are, your partner also wants to know that you’re on the same page. For tips on how to start the conversation, check out this article from the U.S. Department of Health.

Be a part of breaking the stigma around STIs and normalizing getting tested to make a healthier and more accepting culture for everyone!

STI testing is easy and accessible

Evergreen and our affiliates offer a variety of STI and HIV testing options that are non-judgmental and affordable, even if you’re uninsured or under-insured.

Get tested at Evergreen Health
•    fast, easy and confidential testing for STIs, Hepatitis C and HIV
•    same-day appointments usually available
•    call 716.847.2441 (option 5) or schedule online
Get tested at MOCHA Buffalo

• free and confidential testing for STIs, Hepatitis C and HIV
  schedule an appointment online
  walk-in testing hours:
  Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
  (extended to 6:30pm on Tuesdays)

Get tested at Community Access Services

• free and confidential testing for HIV and Hepatitis C
• referrals to STI testing at Evergreen
• call 716.852.5969 to schedule

Get tested at the Pride Center of Western New York

• free and confidential rapid HIV testing
• referrals to STI testing at Evergreen
  schedule an appointment online
  walk-in HIV testing hours:
  Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri: 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
  Wed: 10am-1pm & 2-6pm