Additional Information
What is an STI?
STIs are infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. There are more than 30 kinds of STIs. They are transmitted primarily through intimate contact with a person who has a sexually transmitted infection. Everyone who is sexually active is at risk for STIs if their partner is infected.
There are approximately 18.9 million new cases of STIs every year in the United States. 48% of those are among people ages 15-24. * The three most common among college students are Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus (HPV or Genital Warts), and Herpes (HSV).
Are STIs the same thing as STDs?
Yes. The terms STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease) are used interchangeably. However, people acquire infections through sexual contact, not diseases. STI is more accurate.
How can I tell if someone has an STI?
Not all STIs have visible symptoms. Some can only be detected by having a blood test and others may be difficult to diagnose. It is not unusual for a person with an STI to be unaware they have an infection. You can have an STI (such as HPV or Herpes) and never have an outbreak, but still transmit the infection to someone else. Most people with Chlamydia, particularly women, have no symptoms. The only way to know if someone has an STI is to get tested.
Where can I get tested for STIs?
NYU Student Health Center (SHC) offers STI testing. SHC is located on the 3rd and 4th Floors of 726 Broadway (at Waverly Place). To make an appointment for routine STI screening, call 212-443-1000 and request to see your Primary Care Physician or a Women's Health or Men's Health provider. Confidential HIV testing is also available at SHC. Call 212-443-1122 to schedule an appointment with SHC's HIV counselor.
For a list of clinics in New York City that offer free or low-cost STI testing, visit Health Promotion & Wellness Services at SHC or call 212-443-1234.
What happens when you get tested for STIs?
When you get tested for STIs, you will first speak with a provider about your sexual history. This will help assess your level of risk and determine the type of testing best for you. There are four methods of testing for different STIs: visual, blood, urine and culture.
If I test negative for STIs, can I have unprotected sex?
It is best to always practice safer sex to reduce your risk of contracting an STI.
If I'm a woman who has sex with women, do I really need to worry about STIs?
Yes. Your sexual orientation does not make you immune to STIs. It is possible for women who have sex with women to acquire and transmit infections through unprotected oral sex, mutual touching of one another's genitals, or sharing sex toys. You can reduce the risk of infection through safer sex, including the use of latex barriers (i.e. gloves, dental dams for oral sex, and condoms on sex toys).
Can you get STIs from Oral Sex?
Yes. Unprotected oral sex can put you at risk for STIs including HIV, Syphilis, Herpes, Gonorrhea and Hepatitis B. If you are having oral sex (oral contact with a partner's anus or vulva) use a dental dam or plastic wrap (any brand) to cover the area on which you put your mouth. If you are performing oral sex on a penis, be sure it is covered with a non-lubricated condom.
What is a dental dam?
A dental dam is a thin square of latex that is placed over the vulva (the outside of the vagina) or anus for safer oral sex. Plastic wrap (any brand) can also be used for this purpose. Free dental dams and other safer sex supplies are available at NYU.
How can I talk to my partner about STIs?
Talking about STIs with your partner is not always easy. Below are some tips that may help turn a potentially difficult conversation into an opportunity for more open communication.
- Choose a time and place convenient for both of you that is free of distractions.
- Practice beforehand. How do you want to start the conversation? What are the important points you want to address? Sometimes it helps to write down what you'd like to say.
- Acknowledge the conversation may be difficult. Set guidelines so both partners avoid judging, labeling, blaming or threatening one another.
- Use "I" statements when talking. For example, I feel that abstinence is right for me at this time. Or, I would feel more comfortable if we used a condom.
- Ask open-ended questions such as "What do you think about our agreeing to get tested for STIs before we have sex?" Or, "What do you think about our using dental dams during oral sex?"
If I get tested for STIs and use my insurance, will my parents find out?
In New York State, anyone over the age of 13 has access to reproductive health care without the consent of their parents. This means you can have a gynecological exam, get tested for STIs, or have other related health care and your parents cannot access your medical records without your written consent. If you are using your parent's health insurance to cover your expenses, however, they may receive a bill indicating the services you received.
At the Student Health Center, ask at the front desk whether or not you will be billed for any services. You may choose to have a bill sent directly to you or pay any fees incurred out of pocket. For information on resources outside of NYU, visit Health Promotion & Wellness Services at SHC or call 212-443-1234.