Getting Tested

Annual testing for some STIs is a good idea if you are sexually active. You are the person who can best protect your health. Below are general guidelines on STI testing.

You should get tested:

• If you have symptoms 
• Every year if you are sexually active and under 24 years old. Get tested even if you don't have symptoms
• If you change sex partners 
• If you have more than one sex partner 
• If your partner has more than one sex partner 
• If you do not use a condom or dental dam EVERY TIME you have sexual intercourse

Testing for each STI is slightly different. To compare the different STI tests by infection, look below:

Urine test: a medical provider will ask you to provide a urine sample in a cup. 

• This test is commonly used for chlamydia and gonorrhea

Blood test: a medical provider will take a small sample of your blood to test for infection.

• This test is commonly used for syphilis and HIV

A swab: a medical provider will take a sample from an infected area to test for a particular germ. This test is often performed on individuals who have symptoms but can be used on people without symptoms.

• This test is commonly used for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some rapid HIV tests also use swabs

Physical exam: a medical provider will perform a physical exam, looking at the infected area. This type of test is usually performed on individuals who are experiencing symptoms.

• This test is commonly used for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), genital warts, syphilis, genital herpes, pubic lice and scabies

All community health centers and hospitals in Boston offer STI testing. To find a clinic in your neighborhood, visit www.helpsteps.com or call Mayor's Health Line (MHL) at 617-534-5050 (Toll-Free: 1-800-847-0710)​.

Yes. In Massachusetts, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission - it's the law​!