If you’ve ever had sex, you’ve probably worried about contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In addition to the embarrassment of possibly contracting an infection, perhaps you’ve been uneasy not knowing what to expect or if you needed to do anything special to prepare for your visit to the clinic for testing. This article will help you better understand what happens at Duke Student Health when you get tested for the most common STIs.
Many people have no idea whether or not they need to prepare for a clinic visit for STI testing. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you make an appointment at Duke Student Health. Ask specifically for STI testing when scheduling your appointment. If you’d prefer, you can make an appointment online at http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/appointments/. Stating specifically that you desire testing for STIs allows the staff to prepare for your visit. If you do not specify in advance, you can still be tested, but you may have to wait a few minutes while the staff gathers the necessary testing materials. Minimize your anxiety and ask for STI testing in advance. When you meet with your provider, expect questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing and your sexual activity. Sexual activity includes your frequency of anal, vaginal and oral sex with men, women or both. Answer the questions truthfully. Your honest answers help providers better understand your situation and offer the best care.
You will need to disrobe for a portion of your examination. Syphilis and HIV are detected through blood tests. You won’t disrobe for this portion of the examination. Blood is drawn from the inside of your arm at the elbow. Both tests can be done with only one needle stick. Also, you have the option of making an appointment to have a rapid HIV test. Rapid HIV testing involves swabbing your gums and cheeks. However, if you’re going to be tested for syphilis, it may be more convenient for you to get the HIV blood test at the same time. Other STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts and genital herpes are detected by visual examination or sample collection. Testing methods are different for men and women. If you have a history of genital warts, you will also be encouraged to have a rectal examination.
Summary of STI Tests:
Viral Infections
HIV - Same for men and women - Available through blood draw or rapid oral swab
Herpes - Same for men and women - Reliable testing only performed on active lesion - Come see a provider immediately if you suspect you may have a herpes lesion
HPV - No reliable test for men; Pap testing performed on women; preventative vaccine available for women 26 or younger
Genital warts - Reliable testing only performed on active lesions
Bacterial Infections
Syphilis - Same for men and women - Available only through blood draw
Chlamydia - Sample collection different for men and women - Learn more below
Gonorrhea - Sample collection different for men and women - Learn more below
Bacterial vaginosis - "Wet prep" sample collection done on women - Learn more below
Men
Many men consider the swab test for gonorrhea and chlamydia the most frightening part of STI testing. For this test, a small swab is entered at the tip of the penis into the urethra - the tube beyond the tip of the penis. The swab doesn’t go in very far and it only stays there a few seconds. Once removed, the swab is dropped into a glass vial and sent to a lab for testing. Many men who have had this examination at Duke Student Health report that it’s not bad at all. You should schedule 20 minutes for your examination, though it will likely take less time. If you are planning to have testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia, please do not urinate for an hour before your appointment. Men can also schedule an appointment during the Men’s Clinic on Thursdays between 8:30am and 12:10pm. At the Men’s Clinic, you’ll have the opportunity to see the same male provider on a regular basis.
Women
There are some things you should know in order to prepare for your visit. Certain tests look for changes inside the vagina. For this reason, it is advised not to take a bubble bath, soak in a tub, or douche within a few days of your examination. However, you can still practice good hygiene by showering and washing thoroughly. Also, if you are concerned about STI exposure, you should avoid having sexual intercourse until you can be tested.
If you are having urinary symptoms, such as burning or pain when you urinate, a urinalysis can be performed. This test checks for urinary tract infections and blood, proteins and sugar in the urine. If you are concerned about possible pregnancy, you can get a urine pregnancy test. You will be able to talk with your provider about emergency contraception, if necessary. You will also be asked to perform a “wet prep,” in which you’ll swab the inside of your vagina. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a provider can do it for you. A “wet prep” checks for bacteria, yeast and “clue cells” that may be indicative of bacterial vaginosis. Next you will have a pelvic examination in which your provider will examine your female organs and swab your cervix. Once removed, the swab is dropped into a glass vial and sent to a lab to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. You should plan about 40 minutes for your examination.
Many providers ask students to return within a week to discuss results and talk about safer-sex practices and birth control options. Some providers may offer to send you the results of your examination through secured email, with the exception of your HIV test results. HIV test results are only given at in-person clinic visits.
If you feel you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection or if you desire more information, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for STI testing at Duke Student Health by calling 681-WELL or visiting our website: http://healthydevil.studentaffairs.duke.edu/appointments/.