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STI Testing

Sexually active students may be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The risk of contracting an STI is directly linked to the number of sexual partners the individual or his/her partner(s) have had. It is estimated that more than 20 percent of individuals with more than one sexual partner have an STI. Risk is extremely low for a couple that 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.

STI Screening Tests Available:

  • There is a charge for this test. All recent and/or current partners of an individual with Chlamydia/Gonorrhea should be treated regardless of test results. Test results are received in one to two days.
  • Testing: urine or urethral swab for men; cervical swab for women.
  • There is a charge for this test. All recent and/or current partners of an individual with syphilis should be tested. Test results are received in two days.
  • Testing: blood sample
  • There is a charge for testing. Test results are received in three days. HIV testing can also be ordered through a private laboratory.
  • Testing: blood sample
  • Info about Schiffert Health Center HIV Testing

Genital warts are caused by HPV. Infection with this virus can also lead to precancerous changes in the cells of a woman’s cervix.

  • 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 nine and 26 get the Gardasil vaccine.
  • Testing: Three years after a woman becomes sexually active, or when she turns 21 (whichever comes first), she 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. There is no similar HPV test available for men.
  • There are charges for all herpes simplex testing
  • Up to 20 percent of sexually active adults have genital herpes simplex infections. Up to 90  percent of infected individuals do not realize they are infected but can pass the infection on to their partner(s) through oral or genital contact.
  • Symptomatic (sores and/or vesicles present) testing: sampling of material from sores/vesicles for culture.
  • Asymptomatic (no sores) testing: blood testing for type I and II herpes simplex antibodies can be done but results can be confusing.
  • 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 six-month period are at increased risk and should consider testing and immunization.
  • 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.

Testing Details

Testing for male students is offered through the medical clinic at Schiffert Health Center by appointment. A medical practitioner will evaluate your concerns and 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.

Testing for female students is offered through the Women's Clinic at Schiffert Health Center by appointment. 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 an 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.

Note: Prices fluctuate.

The cost varies depending upon your symptoms and the tests performed. You can pay by cash, check, 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. 

Yes, you will be diagnosed by a medical practitioner who will talk about the diagnosis and answer any questions that you may have. In addition, individuals with questions about STDs can speak with a health educator in Hokie Wellness.

Hokie Wellness offers workshops as well as information sessions taught by the Health Education & Awareness Team (HEAT) on various topics, including safer sex and topics related to sexual activity. We offer a large variety of sexuality-based education.

Condoms are available for approximately $5.00 for 24 condoms ($5.25 with tax). We carry Trojan brand condoms. To purchase condoms, print and fill out the Condom Coupon (PDF | 124KB)  and take it to the Schiffert Health Center 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-Schiffert Health Center programs or promotions. We often give away condoms at our safer sex educational workshops and during public health promotion campaigns.

To make an appointment or ask a question, contact us directly at 540-231-6444 or healthcenter@vt.edu.

Appointments

Male students can be testing through the medical clinic by appointment

Phone: 540-231-6444

Testing for female students is offered through the Women's Clinic by appointment

Phone: 540-231-6569