Office of Health Education
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing Information from the Schiffert Health Center
Sexually active men and women may be at risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI). Risk is directly linked to the number of sexual partners the individual or his/her partner(s) have had. It is estimated that over 20% of individuals (1 in 5) with more than one partner have a STI. Risk is extremely low for a couple which has only had intimate contact (genital/genital, oral/genital, anal/genital, finger vaginal/anal) with each other and has never had any form of intimate sexual contact with others. Consistent condom use significantly reduces the risk of exposure to many sexually transmitted infections.
In many cases sexually transmitted infections do not cause symptoms unless they result in complications. This makes screening for sexually transmitted infections very important both to prevent complications in the infected person and to prevent spread of infection to others. Both individuals with a specific STI as well as those having sexual contact with a person known or suspected of having a specific STI are at increased risk of exposure to other STIs. The following is a list of STIs for which screening tests are available at the Schiffert Health Center.
1. Chlamydia
· There is a charge for this test. All recent and/or current partners of an individual with chlamydia should be treated regardless of test results. Test results are received in one to two days.
· Testing done on: urine or urethral swab for men; cervical swab for women.
2. Gonorrhea
· There is no charge for this test. All recent and/or current partners of an individual with gonorrhea should be treated regardless of test results. Test results are received in two days.
· Testing done on: urethral swab for men; cervical swab for women.
3. Syphilis
· There is no charge for this test. All recent and/or current partners of an individual with syphilis should be tested. Test results are received in 7-10 days.
· Testing done on: blood sample
4. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection
· HIV testing can also be ordered through a private laboratory. The results become a part of your permanent medical record. There is a charge for testing. Test results are received in 3 days.
· Testing done on: blood sample
· Info about SHC HIV Testing.
5. Genital HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection
· Genital warts are caused by HPV. Infection with this virus can also lead to precancerous changes in the cells of a woman’s cervix.
· Testing: sexually active women should have a yearly Pap test to screen for precancerous cell changes. Specific testing for HPV is done to evaluate some Pap test abnormalities. There are charges for Pap and HPV testing (see prices below). There is no similar HPV test available for men.
· There is a vaccine that is effective against many types of genital and cervical cancer, which may also prevent cases of cervical cancer. We recommend that women between the ages of 9 and 26 get the Gardasil vaccine.
6. Genital Herpes simplex
· Up to 20% of sexually active adults have genital herpes simplex infections. Up to 90 % of infected individuals do not realize they are infected but can pass the infection on to their partner(s) through oral or genital contact.
· Testing: there are charges for all herpes simplex testing
o Symptomatic (sores and/or vesicles present): sampling of material from sores/vesicles for culture.
o Asymptomatic (no sores): blood testing for antibodies to type II herpes simplex can be done but results can be confusing.
7. Hepatitis B: there is a charge for blood testing and immunization
- Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact. Non-immunized students with male-to-male sexual contact or with more than one opposite-sex partner in a 6 month period are at increased risk and should consider testing and immunization.
8. Hepatitis C: there is a charge for blood testing
- Hepatitis C is spread most commonly by exposure to infected blood. It is less frequently spread by sexual contact.
Common Questions about STD Testing at Schiffert Health Center
1. What are the procedures a student must go through to get tested for an STD?
Note: Prices fluctuate.
General Male STD testing is offered through the medical clinic at Schiffert Health Center by appointment (call 231-6444). A medical practitioner will evaluate your concerns & symptoms and determine the appropriate course of testing and/or treatment. If testing is determined to be appropriate, it most likely will either consist of a urine sample analysis or a sample analysis taken from the urethra (bodily tube from which you urinate). The same practitioner will provide you with results and discuss a plan of action based on the results. The cost varies depending upon your symptoms and the tests performed. Chlamydia testing costs $12.50 while gonorrhea and syphilis testing are available at no additional charge. You can pay by cash or Hokie Passport the day of your visit, or request that the bill be processed through the university (it will be mailed to the same address as your tuition bill and listed as a "student health charge," without listing any specifics). The appointment with the medical practitioner is covered under your one time student health fee that you paid as part of your tuition for the semester.
Female STD testing is offered through the Women's Clinic at Schiffert Health Center by appointment (call 231-6569). A medical practitioner will evaluate the concerns & symptoms and determine the appropriate course of testing and/or treatment. If testing is requested, it most likely will require a pelvic exam to collect samples from the vagina and cervix. The same practitioner will provide you with results and discuss a plan of action based on the results. The cost can vary depending upon your symptoms and the test(s) performed but the costs for testing are the same for men and women. See below. You can pay by cash or Hokie Passport the day of your visit, or request that the bill be processed through the university (it will be mailed to the same address as your tuition bill and listed as a "student health charge," without listing any specifics). The appointment with the medical practitioner is covered under your one time student health fee that you paid as part of your tuition for the semester.
If you would like to be tested for HIV/AIDS details are here.
2. How much do these tests cost?
Note: Prices fluctuate. Please refer to our charge list..
3. If a person is diagnosed with an STD, are there professionals that he/she can talk to about the diagnosis?
Yes, they will be diagnosed by a medical practitioner who will talk with them about their diagnosis and answer any questions that they may have. In addition, Individuals with questions about STDs can speak with a health educator in the Schiffert Health Center's Health Education Office.
4. Does Schiffert offer any workshops or lectures regarding safe sex?
Yes, see the Health Education website for times & dates of workshops on Safer Sex and related topics already scheduled or to schedule a program for a student group. We offer a large variety of sexuality based education. Please contact us for more details.
5. Does the Health Center distribute condoms and/or free condoms?
Yes, condoms are available for approx 5.00 for 24 condoms (5.25 w/tax). We carry Trojan brand condoms. To purchase condoms, print and fill out the Condom Coupon, and then take it to the SHC Pharmacy. Follow the instructions printed on the Condom Coupon. We do not give away "free condoms" on a walk-in basis or give large quantities for distribution at non-SHC programs or promotions. We often give away condoms at our safer sex educational workshops (see WPE) and during public health promotion campaigns (HPT).
6. Where can I get further information?
We have other links to STD information on our Health Information Pages. To make an appointment or ask a question, contact us directly.
12/2007