Anyone who is sexually active should get tested annually for common STIs and HIV. Most STIs have no signs or symptoms or mild signs that can easily be overlooked, so the only way to know is to get tested.
It’s important to get tested because people with uteruses can have long-term effects of these diseases, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Most STIs have no symptoms, but if you experience STI symptoms, they may include:
- Unexplained abdominal/pelvic or testicular pain.
- Genital discharge.
- Burning urination.
- Genital rash, itching or sores.
Common STI tests offered at the University Health Center
- Chlamydia: Since symptoms may not be present, the only way to know if a person who may be at risk is infected with chlamydia is to be tested.
- Type of test: Swab of genital area or urine sample. This test is always offered in conjunction with gonorrhea and cannot be separated.
- Genital Herpes: It is estimated that one in five persons in the U.S. has genital herpes; however, as many as 90 percent are unaware that they have the virus.
- Type of test: Blood test or swab of affected area.
- Gonorrhea: This STI is a curable infection. Many males infected with gonorrhea have symptoms, while most females do not.
- Type of test: Swab of genital area or urine sample. This test is always offered in conjunction with chlamydia and cannot be separated.
- Hepatitis A, B and C: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a group of viruses.
- Type of test: Blood test.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): This is the virus that causes AIDS. Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections.
- Type of test: Blood test.
- Oral Herpes: Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no symptoms present.
- Type of test: Visual diagnosis.
- Syphilis: This STI is a curable, bacterial infection. The bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes or torn or cut skin.
- Type of test: Blood test or sample from sore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which STIs should I get tested for?
Each test is specific to each infection. Talk to your doctor about which STI tests you need. Certain STIs are more common than others, so your provider may suggest you get tested regularly for them.
Be honest and open with your provider about your sexual history. What you share will help your doctor choose the most appropriate tests for your circumstances.
How do I get tested for STIs at the health center?
Call the health center at 402.472.5000 and follow the options to speak to a nurse. Tell the nurse that you’d like to get tested. The nurse will ask you a few questions and put in an order for your testing at our laboratory.
Walk in at your convenience and check in at the health center front desk Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tell the check-in staff that you’re checking in “for lab only.”
After testing is completed, nursing staff will call you in a few business days with results and schedule a follow-up as needed. Results will also be available in your One Chart | Patient portal.
What is the cost?
Doctor-ordered chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV tests are covered by student fees. University students who are 24 or younger who do not have or cannot use insurance may qualify for a grant that covers some or all of the cost of most other STI testing at the health center. If you are interested in utilizing grant funds, speak to a medical receptionist or provider during your appointment for more details
Any charges you incur can be billed to your insurance. Nebraska Medicine participates with many insurance companies. Please bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
Who will know I got tested?
All lab services and clinic medical records are strictly confidential. This information is kept between you and your care team.
Minors (students 18 and younger) do not need parental consent for STI testing or treatment. STI testing and treatment information will not be shared with parents of minors without the minor’s permission.
If you have charges for an STI test, they will be transferred to your Student Account within 30 days of the visit. These charges do not give details of your visit and will only appear as “Health Center Visit Charges.”
If you use health insurance to get tested, you should consider who else has access to that information (like a parent or partner if you share health insurance). If you do not want to submit your charge to insurance, please tell the front desk staff member at check-in.
Positive results for some STIs, like HIV or syphilis, may be shared with state or city health departments for tracking purposes, but there are laws preventing health departments from sharing your test results with your family, friends or employer.
How do I tell my partner(s) I have an STI?
This is never an easy conversation, but it’s an important one to have. It’s not just about you; your partner needs to know so they can get tested and treated if necessary.
As soon as you’re ready, bring it up with your partner. Be there for your partner the way you hope they would be there for you. Testing positive and talking to your partner(s) about having an STI may feel overwhelming. Remember that CAPS is a resource for you if you need it. Visit their website for more information.