What are STIs?
One of the major risks on college campuses is sexually transmitted infections (STI), sometimes known as sexually transmitted diseases (STD). All people who engage in oral, vaginal and/or anal sex are at risk. These can be bacterial or viral infections that are transmitted through certain forms of sexual contact, most commonly through oral, vaginal or anal sex, but also sometimes through kissing or skin-to-skin contact. Common STI infections include:
| Chlamydia | |
| Gonorrhea | |
| Hepatitis B and C | |
| Herpes | |
| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) | |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | |
| Syphilis | |
| Trichomoniasis |
Whether an STI causes symptoms or not, a person with an STI is a carrier for the infection, and can pass it on to their sexual partners. Since most people infected with STIs do not show symptoms, it is important for all people who are sexually active to get screened for STIs on a regular basis.
More information on STIs
Schedule a testing appointment
Use the Student Health Portal to schedule your appointment online. After testing, results can be communicated to you via phone, secure message, or a return appointment.
Confidentiality
Test results are recorded in your medical record. All medical records are confidential. Information from a medical record can be released only with your official, written permission, which designates exactly what information is to be sent to whom. However, by law, some positive results (including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis) must be reported by the lab to the Department of Health.
Off-campus testing locations
| Walk-in HIV Testing Program Infectious Disease Division | |
| Project ARK (AIDS/HIV Resources and Knowledge) | |
| The SPOT (Supporting Positive Opportunities with Teens) |
Community resources
| Planned Parenthood | |
| Vivent Health | |
| St. Louis County Department of Health The North Central (Pine Lawn) Health Center accepts any patients seeking testing and treatment for STIs regardless of where they live. Testing is free and no appointment is necessary. Call for details and hours. | |
| St. Louis City Health Department |
STI prevention
HPV vaccine recommended for everyone age 9-45 is available at Health Services and can prevent HPV infections leading to anogenital warts and some types of cervical, vaginal, anal, or oral cancers.
Mpox vaccine
Vaccination helps to protect against Mpox when given before or shortly after an exposure. Vaccination is being prioritized for individuals at the highest risk. Health Services is working to coordinate vaccine availability for Danforth campus students. If you are interested in being vaccinated, please send a confidential request to Health Services.
Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Providers at Health Services will evaluate and follow patients who are interested in PrEP. Use the Student Health Portal to schedule your appointment online.
Free safer sex supplies
Free safer sex supplies including internal and external condoms, lubes and dams are available both at Health Services and Zenker Wellness Suite.