STIs, HIV, & PrEP
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Campus Health Services offers complete STI testing services for UofL students. They are always confidential. To schedule appointments, call 502-852-6479.
Know you are not alone: STIs are sexually transmitted infections that affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and from all walks of life. In the U.S. alone, there are about 19 million new cases each year, roughly half of which occur among youth ages 15-24 years.
Sexually active people should be tested for STIs every 3-6 months. People in a monogamous relationship should be tested once a year. Consult with your clinical provider to determine what testing is needed given your sexual activity.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that there are more than 25 STIs (sexually transmitted infections) in existence. Listed here are the eight most common STIs in the United States.
Human Papilloma Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
Trichomoniasis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm
Chlamydia: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm
Genital Herpes: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
Gonorrhea: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm
Hepatitis B: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/fact.htm
Syphilis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
HIV/AIDS: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/index.htm
Preventing HIV with PrEP & PEP
PrEP is a prevention method used by people who are HIV-negative and at high risk for being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing an infection. Learn more about PrEP.
PEP refers to the use of antiretroviral drugs for people who are HIV-negative after a single high-risk exposure to stop HIV infection. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective – always within 72 hours of a possible exposure – and continued for 4 weeks. Learn more about PEP.
Resources from CDC.gov (Sept. 2022)
Where can I get an HIV test?
Anonymous, walk-in HIV testing is available once a month on 1/19, 2/9, 3/9, & 4/12 during the Spring semester 2023 11am-3pm free of charge at Health Promotion Wellbeing Central, located at the Student Activities Center (SAC) W309. Using a finger prick, results offered in under 15 minutes.
You can also schedule an appointment at CHS to get STI and HIV testing, however, you will be charged a fee. Call 502-852-6479 to schedule an appointment.
The tests commonly used to detect HIV infection look for antibodies produced by your body to fight HIV. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within 3 months after infection, the average being 20 days. In rare cases, it can take 6-12 months. If you are concerned that you may have HIV, please get tested again.
