STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, also known as Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD. All sexually active people should get tested for STIs, even if they don't have symptoms.
Testing is available for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV and Syphilis.
Academic Year STI and HIV Testing
ASYMPTOMATIC TESTING:
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OPTION A: Self-Scheduled Appointments for Asymptomatic Testing. You can self-schedule an appointment with a nurse for STI testing if you have no symptoms and no known exposure to an STI positive or symptomatic partner. Login to the UMass Patient Portal, click “Appts,” and follow instructions at the top of the page to self-schedule. Be sure to complete the STI Screening Form when prompted.
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Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing should be done for all body sites which may have been exposed (throat, rectal self-swab, vaginal self-swab or urine sample). If a urine sample is being collected, it is important to refrain from urination for 1-2 hours prior to visit.
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HIV and Syphilis testing involve a blood draw at the UHS laboratory.
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Please Note: If you use the portal to self-schedule a future appointment for asymptomatic STI testing, and you develop symptoms before your appointment, you must call 413-577-5101 to cancel your appointment and schedule a new appointment for symptomatic testing.
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OPTION B: Walk-In Asymptomatic STI Screening Clinic at UMass Public Health Promotion Center (Campus Center lower level, room 101) every Tuesday and Wednesday 11am - 3pm (closed holidays). No appointment necessary. Testing open to all UMass students. Bring your insurance card. View STI Clinic Flyer. For more information, email testing@umass.edu
SYMPTOMATIC/EXPOSURE TESTING:
If you have symptoms, and/or a positive or symptomatic partner, call 413-577-5101 to schedule an appointment with a UHS provider. For an appointment in Women’s Health Clinic, call 413-577-6511.
Symptomatic testing is needed if you develop any of these symptoms:
- Unusual genital discharge
- Burning with urination
- Genital sores
- Rash/bumps or pelvic pain
Symptomatic testing appointments are scheduled within 24-48 hours with a UHS provider; this is also the type of appointment you should schedule if you have a known exposure to an STI positive or symptomatic partner.
Routine Sexual Health Care
UHS provides routine sexual health care in our general medicine clinics and Women's Health Clinic. Comprehensive sexual health care is an important part of wellness for all sexually active people. This includes:
- Annual complete physical exams with a primary care provider.
- Vaccinations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are vaccine-preventable, including hepatitis A and B, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Consistent, correct use of condoms, dental dams and female condoms every time you engage in any sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
- STI and HIV screening tests when you have no symptoms.
- Treatment if you or your partner have been diagnosed with an STI.
If you're HIV-negative but at high risk, or if you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, medications known as PrEP and PEP can reduce your chances of becoming infected with HIV.
If you've had unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure and are worried about unintended pregnancy, take emergency contraception (EC) within 72 hours. EC is available at the UHS Pharmacy and by appointment.
Paying for Testing
Many insurance companies cover at least part of screening tests for STIs and HIV. If you choose not to use insurance for testing, you can pay out-of-pocket. Read more about payment options.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program
UHS is a designated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) site, providing confidential, compassionate services for survivors of all genders. Learn more about the SANE program.
