Student Health Services provides confidential counseling, diagnosis, testing, and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Call Student Health Services (703-993-2831) to schedule an appointment for STI testing. There are fees for STI testing.
Student Health also offers immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) for a fee. Providers can prescribe DoxyPEP to reduce risk of STIs after unprotected sex. Info on DoxyPep (pdf).
If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you get regular STI testing. You can have an STI with no symptoms or very mild symptoms. If not treated, STIs can cause serious health problems.
STI Symptoms
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Sores or warts on the genital area
- Painful or frequent urination
- Itching and redness in the genital area
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Abnormal vaginal odor
- Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- You can have an STI with mild or no symptoms
STI Testing
There are fees for all STI tests. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about test(s) you may need. Routine screening for STIs includes:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
Genital screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia can be done with a urine test or a genital/cervical swab test. Throat and rectal screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia must be done by a swab test. A blood test is performed to screen for syphilis. A blood test or a fingerstick test is used to screen for HIV. There are different tests for each type of STI.
No symptoms? Online scheduling now available
If you want routine screening AND do not have any STI symptoms (list above), schedule an appointment online in our Patient Portal! Your appointment will be in-person at the Fairfax Clinic with a clinic nurse. If you cannot find a time that meets your needs, or if you have symptoms, call 703-993-2831 to schedule.
How to schedule
Log into the Patient Portal.
Go to Appointments in the portal navigation menu.
Choose Fairfax Clinic.
Enter your phone number and reason for visit.
Choose the following in the dropdown menus: “Fairfax Clinic”, “STI testing with no symptoms” in Reason, “Nurse” in provider.
Free STI testing with NovaSalud
Student Health Services in partnership with NovaSalud offers free STI testing on the Fairfax campus during planned events in fall and spring semesters.
Not on-campus? Find local STI Testing Centers with the CDC Search Tool, can search for free or low cost options.
Your Appointment
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete the check-in process.
- Do not urinate one hour before the appointment. Be prepared to provide a urine sample.
- Your healthcare provider will review your medical and sexual health history. You will be asked about drug use and symptoms of acute HIV. These questions are asked of all patients and are important for your overall health. The questions help your provider understand what testing you may need. Like all healthcare, this information is confidential.
- Be prepared to have lab testing (blood draw) if indicated.
- Review the Lab Services page for information about lab fees prior to your appointment.
If You Test Positive for an STI
All STIs are treatable and some are curable. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about next steps, treatment, and precautions. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Talk with your recent partner(s) about having an STI. It may feel emotionally uncomfortable, but telling your partner(s) allows them to protect their health, too. Tips for getting the conversation started from the American Association for Sexual Health and Centers for Disease Control.