Whenever your sexual health is in question, being tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is wise. STI testing at Choices Pregnancy Center is simple, free, and confidential.
Yet we understand you may have questions before you come for your appointment. So here are quick answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
Why Do I Need Testing?
The CDC recommends getting STI testing at least once a year for people who have been sexually active. Why?
Any sexual activity comes with a risk for contracting an STI. (Having multiple partners increases the risk.) STIs can cause important health consequences, which early detection and treatment can help prevent.
Contracting an STI can increase a person’s risks for:
- Vulnerability to other STIs
- Developing certain types of cancer
- Acquiring or transmitting HIV
STIs can also cause other long-term health complications, especially in the reproductive and central nervous systems, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID).
Also, if one partner in a sexually active couple tests positive, the other partner should be tested in order to know if they need treatment too.
What STIs Can the Testing Detect?
The STI testing offered at Choices Pregnancy Center tests for both chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
What’s the Cost? Do I Need Insurance?
Like all our services, STI testing is offered free of charge. No insurance is required.
However, if the test results come back positive, the recommended treatment could include a prescription that would have to be purchased from a drug store or pharmacy of your choice. Insurance may help cover that cost.
Am I Old Enough to be Tested?
We offer services to individuals of all ages. Minors (under 18) can legally consent to STI testing and treatment without parental permission under Minnesota Statute 144.343. They have a right to privacy regarding these services.
How Should I Prepare for the Test?
Since the testing relies on collecting a urine sample, be sure to drink water before your appointment.
Who Will I See During My Appointment?
One of our professional nurses will meet with you and conduct your test. After your appointment, our medical director—a licensed physician practicing at an area hospital—will diagnose the results and prescribe treatment if needed.
Will STI Testing Hurt?
You only need to collect a urine sample during your appointment. The process is non-invasive, so you shouldn’t experience any pain. We’ve designed our process to be as easy as possible for you.
When Will I Know My Results?
You will receive your results in 1-3 business days. Our nurse will contact you by the confidential means you request during your appointment.
Will My Results Be Kept Confidential?
Yes. Only you will be informed of your results. (One exception: all medical facilities in our state are required by law to report positive tests to the Minnesota Department of Health.)
For more details on how we protect your privacy, read this post.
What if My STI Test is Negative?
A negative test can give you peace of mind and the opportunity to evaluate ways you can keep yourself healthy into the future. Feel free to talk with our nurse about options for avoiding sexual risk.
What if My STI Test is Positive?
If your test results are positive for an STI, our nurse will discuss those results with you and provide immediate treatment options as well as resources for managing your health.
Can My Partner Get STI Testing Too?
We welcome both men and women for STI testing. In fact, if one of you tests positive, we strongly recommend the other partner(s) come in for testing and treatment right away.
If I Have Other Questions, Can I Ask Them During My Appointment?
Certainly. Choices Pregnancy Center cares about your health, and we understand how complicated staying sexually healthy can be. Of course you’ll have questions. So, sure, fire away!
Why Does a Pregnancy Center Do STI Testing?
We know that sexual health is important for both of the partners as well as any child that may be conceived during sexual intimacy. Because having an active STI while pregnant can impact the health of a baby before, during, or after birth, we want to help our clients avoid those problems, too.
Your sexual health matters to us. So we work to make your STI testing appointment as simple for you as possible. We look forward to serving you soon.
If you haven’t made your appointment yet, just reach out by chat here on our site, click on the orange button (top of this page) to "Schedule an Appointment," or contact us by text or phone at 507-637-2534.
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Other STI-Testing Posts & Pages:
How Choices Pregnancy Center Protects your Privacy and Confidentiality