There isn’t a single test that can screen you for all sexually transmitted infections. Different STIs need different tests. A healthcare provider will help you identify which test you need to take by asking you questions about your sexual life and the symptoms you are feeling. Make sure that you are honest and tell them everything so that they can better help you.

STI testings may include a urine test, blood test, swab test, or a physical exam of your genital area. There are cases that you need to get tested multiple times to detect an STI, this is to give your body enough time to develop antibodies that’ll show up on the test.

Testing for HIV is easy, painless and completely confidential. It may include an antibody test that is being done on a small sample of blood from finger or arm or oral swab. For accuracy of test results, it is important to get tested three (3) months (window period) after exposure. Here is the following information you need to know whether test results comes back —

NEGATIVE, meaning your test has not found a sign of HIV infection. The health provider will discuss the following:

• If you have been at risk since your last HIV test then you will be advised to test again;
• If you have not had possible exposure during previous 3 months, no need to test again and you can be confident you do not have HIV

POSITIVE, meaning that your test has found HIV infection. Your health provider will recommend you to undergo a second confirmatory test to double check your status. If this is also positive, you will get an HIV diagnosis after which you can start the treatment.

If you need testing or treatment for HIV, you can search for HIV Treatment Centers near you by using our HEALTH FACILITY LOCATOR. Simply input your location, then select “HIV Treatment Center”, and click on the search button. The results will show the treatment centers within a 10 kilometer radius from your location,  from free government services to private clinics.