STI Self-Directed Testing

Self-Service STI Testing • All people under the age of 25 who are sexually active, especially with a new partner, are recommended to get tested for chlamydia. A urine sample is used for testing for genital sex practices and an anal swab (for anal sex) is also recommended if these practices are part of your sexual activities.

• All individuals are recommended to know their HIV status.

If you are not experiencing symptoms of an active infection, you can schedule STI testing directly in MySHR, for your additional privacy, comfort, and convenience. Completing the MySHR form will create an order for you at the USC Student Health Center labs (first floor Engemann and Eric Cohen); you may proceed directly there for sample collection. For best results on urine collection, arrive with a full bladder (do not urinate for one hour prior to arrival at the lab).

MySHR Self-Directed Testing Options For anyone having genital sex HIV Blood Test Chlamydia Urine Test

Oral sex practices (if you are male / nonbinary person / transgender woman who has sex with men) Gonorrhea Throat Swab

Gonorrhea Urine Test Anal sex practices (receptive; contact with your anus) Chlamydia Anal Swab Gonorrhea Anal Swab

Syphilis screening recommendations by population (if you are a male / nonbinary person / transgender woman who has sex with men; a one-time test is recommended if you are anatomically female) Syphilis Blood Test V. 032122

What to know about STI Testing

While sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect individuals of all ages, STIs are more common in young adults. CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 account for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occurred in the United States in 2018.

Some populations are disproportionately impacted by transmission and may benefit from regular testing at recommended intervals.

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.

All people under the age of 25 who are sexually active, especially with a new partner, are recommended to get tested for chlamydia.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030 is possible by improving the percentage of people aware of their positive HIV status nationwide, scaling testing, prevention, treatment, and other response activities. An annual HIV test is available and covered by all insurance plans.

All individuals are recommended to know their HIV status. A blood test (titer) can be used to test for HIV. Testing is recommended at least once for everyone, when you have a new partner, and everyone 3 months if you are taking medication (PrEP) for prevention of HIV.

Gonorrhea is an STI that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is very common, especially among young people ages 15-24 years. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

A urine sample is used for testing for genital sex practices and is recommended for anyone; a throat swab (for oral sex if you are a male / nonbinary person / transgender woman who has sex with men) and an anal swab (for anal sex if you are a male / nonbinary person / transgender woman who has sex with men) is also recommended if these practices are part of your sexual activities. Testing is recommended when you have a new partner or exposure.

Syphilis is an STI that can have very serious complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the right treatment. Syphilis can be contracted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

A blood test (titer) can be used to test for syphilis. Testing for gonorrhea and syphilis is recommended if you are pregnant; are a man / nonbinary person / transgender woman who has sex with men; have HIV infection; and/or have partner(s) who have tested positive for these infections. A one-time test is recommended if you are anatomically female.

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection that can cause mouth sore (i.e. cold sores) and/ or genital infection. There is not a reliable screening test for this virus and currently it is not recommended to routinely screen for this virus. If you think you have been exposed to the Herpes simplex virus or have symptoms you are concerned about then schedule a visit with one of our clinicians for further evaluation and testing.