STI & HIV Testing

Getting tested is important, and students at the University of Rochester have various testing options. The UHS Primary Care office offers testing by appointment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomonas, as well as screening for HIV and hepatitis. Not sure if you should get tested? Here’s what the CDC recommends.

During the appointment, you can expect your healthcare provider to ask you questions about your sexual health. They may inquire about your past partners and the type of sex you engage in (vaginal, anal, oral, topping, bottoming). This information will help to determine which tests to conduct. Specimens will be collected via urine, an anal swab, a vaginal swab, a throat swab, and bloodwork. You can collect your vaginal and anal swab samples in a private room. Test results may take up to two weeks, depending on the test. Students will be notified of their results and treatment options via a secure UHS Connect message.

The Mandatory Health Fee covers the office visit for STI testing. All full-time students can also receive one HIV screening each academic year at no cost. Many STI tests are fully covered for students on the UR Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna). For additional information on insurance coverage for STI and HIV testing, please contact your insurance advisor or the insurance plan directly. See the section below on Confidential Billing for more information about that option.

The UHS Health Promotion Office hosts free STI testing clinics throughout the academic year in partnership with local organizations such as the Monroe Country Department of Public Health. Details for these clinics and registration information can be found on the UHS Health Promotion Office website.

Expedited Partner Therapy

If you test positive for chlamydia and trichomonas, you may be offered expedited partner therapy – different antibiotics to deliver to any recent sex partners. If you tested positive for gonorrhea, any partners that are University of Rochester students can call and arrange for treatment at the University Health Service (UHS) office without testing. Similarly, if you had a partner inform you that they tested positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas, you may be able to receive treatment without an appointment or office visit. If this is the case, call UHS at (585) 275-2662 and ask to speak to a nurse about “EPT.”