Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing
Many people do not show sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, which is a common reason for not seeking testing. If you are sexually active, you need to get tested. Call your doctor or make an appointment at our Public Health Clinic. Our mobile Health Van also offers STI testing at various locations throughout the County.
To make an appointment at our Public Health Clinic, call 503-588-5342, Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Appointments for STI testing and treatment are available Monday thru Thursday.
No one is turned away for inability to play or lack of insurance. Appointments are easy and results are available within 7-14 days. If any of your tests are positive, we will contact you and get you started on treatment.
Help us spread the word! Sexually transmitted infections or STIs can be prevented if you #TalkTestTreat.
Talk with your partner(s) before sexual activity. Not sure how? We have tips to help you start the conversation. Make sure your discussion covers several important ways to make sex safer:
- Talk about when you were last tested. If it's been more than three months, suggest getting tested together.
- Agree to only have sex with each other.
- Use condoms the right way every time you are sexually active. To learn more about preventing STIs, visit the CDC's sexually transmitted disease prevention website.
Talk with your provider about your sexual activity. This helps your provider know what STI tests you should get and how often.
Here are a few examples of the types of questions your provider will ask. Be prepared to answer honestly!
- Have you been sexually active in the last year?
- In the past 12 months, how many sexual partners have you had?
- What are you doing to protect yourself from STIs?
Not all medical checkups include STI testing. Do not assume that you have been tested unless you discuss it with your provider. If your provider does not discuss sex or STI testing with you, bring it up. Ask your provider if certain vaccines are right for you. Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine or the HPV vaccine.
Test: Get tested. It's the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.
Many STIs do not cause any symptoms. You could have one and not know. If you are having sex, getting tested is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Learn which tests the CDC recommends for you. Even if you are pregnant, you can still get an STI. If you are sexually active, you are still at risk.
Find out what STI care options are available near you. Options may include:
- Video or phone visits with your provider.
- Express visits. These are walk-in STI testing and treatment visits. They do not include a full clinical exam.
- At-home collection. Collect your own sample and take or mail it to a lab for testing.
If you are not comfortable talking with your provider about STIs, that is okay. You can find a clinic near you that provides free or low-cost testing.
Treat: If you test positive for an STI, work with your medical provider to get treated.
All STIs can be treated with the right medicine. Make sure your treatment works by doing these things:
- Take all of the medication your provider gives you. Keep taking it even if you start feeling better or your symptoms go away.
- Do not share your medicine with anyone.
- Do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment.
Your provider can talk with you about the best treatment for you.
If you are interested, call our Public Health Clinic at 503-588-5342 and arrange for testing. Our Health Van offers free testing at a variety of locations throughout Marion County. Click
HERE to see the Health Van schedule.
