STIs and HIV
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.
You should get tested for STIs if any of the listed risk factors apply to you:
- You have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex;
- A condom breaks;
- Your partner has or has had an STI;
- You or your partner inject street drugs;
- You have a new sex partner;
- You have had more than one partner in the past six months;
- Your partner has or had sex with another person;
- You have sex under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; or
- You are unable to communicate with your partner about your sexual history and ways to reduce risks.
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. Click on a specific STI below to learn more.
Genital HPV Infection: 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
Where can I get an HIV test?
Anonymous, walk-in HIV testing is available on Thursdays, 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 20 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.
What is the difference between anonymous and confidential testing?
| Anonymous | Confidential |
|
No personal information (such as name or Social Security number) is associated with the test result. You receive no written documentation, but will hear what your result is from the counselor. |
May be necessary if you need documentation of your HIV status, such as those entering the military or Peace Corps. The test result becomes a part of your medical record. |
Sources for information on this page: CDC Division of STD Prevention www.cdc.gov/std.
