If you are sexually active, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health! Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and STI testing. This will help them understand what STI tests you may need.
Studies have shown that many teens don’t talk to their healthcare providers about issues of sex and sexuality during their annual health visits, sometimes because they are afraid their parents might find out. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with your regular healthcare provider about STIs, you can come to Winneshiek County Public Health for FREE and CONFIDENTIAL testing!
You may be at risk for STIs if you can answer yes to any of these questions:
- Have you had vaginal (penis in the vagina), anal (penis in the anus), or oral sex (mouth on penis, vagina, or anus) without a condom in the past 12 months?
- Have you ever had an STI, including HIV?
- Have any of your partners had an STI?
- Have you or any of your partners ever used illicit substances?
- Have you exchanged sex for needs in the past 12 months (money, housing, drugs, etc.)?
- Is it possible that any of your sex partners in the past 12 months had sex with someone else while they were still in a sexual relationship with you?