STI/HIV Testing

STI/HIV Tests Available at SHCS

SHCS offers testing for several sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. The STI screening recommendations depend on your sexual history, potential exposures and whether you are experiencing symptoms. STI (sexually transmitted infection) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing is available to all registered UC Davis students through Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS). Not sure about getting tested or just looking for more information? View additional information about things to consider.

Additional Information for Some Tests

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing may use a urine sample or a swab. Depending on the types of sexual contact you have had, testing may include samples from different parts of the body.
• HIV

• HIV testing is performed using a blood sample. Because there is a period of time between HIV exposure and when an infection can be accurately detected by a test, the timing of testing can matter. If you believe you may have recently been exposed to HIV, schedule medical care rather than using the routine testing questionnaire. 

  Learn more about HIV testing and the difference between a confidential and anonymous HIV test. SHCS offers confidential HIV testing. You can also check out our Zero HIV Stigma page for more information and resources on HIV. 

• Syphilis
• Syphilis testing is performed using a blood sample and can be requested as part of routine STI/HIV screening.
• Herpes
• Routine herpes testing is generally not recommended for people without symptoms. If you have sores, lesions or other symptoms that may be related to herpes, schedule an appointment with a medical provider for evaluation.
• HPV

• Routine HPV screening is not generally recommended as an STI screening test. For people with a cervix, HPV testing may be used in connection with cervical cancer screening in certain circumstances.

  Talk with an SHCS medical provider if you have questions about HPV testing or HPV vaccination.

2026-27 Pilot Program: No-Cost Routine STI/HIV Testing

The program covers the cost of eligible STI/HIV testing for students with or without UC SHIP while pilot funding is available. If pilot funding is exhausted, standard billing will resume. This page will be updated if funding availability changes.

How to Get No-Cost Testing

No-cost testing is available for students who do not have symptoms and do not have a known STI/HIV exposure.

To get tested:

1. Submit the STI/HIV Testing Request Questionnaire through Health-e-Messaging.
   Schedule an Appointment > Medical Services > No (if applicable) > Routine STI/HIV Testing
2. Wait for your request to be reviewed by an SHCS nurse. You will receive instructions for scheduling your lab appointment.
3. Schedule and attend your lab appointment at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

Who Is Eligible?

The no-cost testing pilot is for routine STI/HIV screening requested through the Health-e-Messaging questionnaire.

You are eligible if:

• You are a registered UC Davis student
• You do not currently have symptoms of an STI
• You do not have a known STI/HIV exposure
• You request testing through the STI/HIV Testing Request Questionnaire in Health-e-Messaging.

If You Have Symptoms or a Known Exposure

If you are experiencing symptoms, have a known STI/HIV exposure or need to speak with a medical provider, do not use the routine testing process above.

Instead, schedule an appointment with an SHCS medical provider so they can evaluate your individual needs and recommend appropriate testing and treatment.

Testing associated with a medical visit is not covered by the no-cost testing pilot and will follow standard SHCS billing and insurance procedures.

Things to Consider

Why Get Yourself Tested

• There should be no shame in taking care of your health!
• Getting yourself tested can be nerve-racking, but it is always better to know your STI/HIV status so that you can keep yourself – and your sexual partner(s) – healthy.
• Getting yourself tested is a normal part of being a sexually active person.
• Getting yourself tested puts you in control.

Do You Need to Get Yourself Tested

If you are sexually active, then yes! Half of all sexually active people will get an STI by the age of 25, and most won't know it because they won't always have symptoms. So, a person might feel perfectly healthy but still have an infection.

No matter which type(s) of sex you've had -- whether oral, vaginal or anal -- you generally need to get yourself tested at least once every year. If barriers (i.e., condoms, dental dams, and/or capes) are not used every time you have sex, or if you have multiple partners, then you might benefit from getting yourself tested more frequently.

Everyone's specific STI/HIV testing needs are different, so talk to your healthcare provider about which tests are most appropriate for you!

How Often Should I Get Tested?

STIs often do not cause noticeable symptoms, which means testing is an important part of taking care of your sexual health.

Getting yourself tested at least once per year is a normal, healthy part of being a sexually-active person. You might need to get yourself tested more frequently. How often and which tests you need depend on factors such as your age, sexual activity, partners, types of sexual contact and potential exposures. View the CDC STI Screening Recommendations.

If you aren't sure what testing is appropriate for you, an SHCS medical provider can help you determine which tests are recommended.

Other Options for Testing 

In and around Davis: 

Check out the UC Davis Sexcess Map for nearby STI/HIV testing locations and other sexual health resources -- such as safer sex products, menstrual supplies and emergency contraception.

Nationally:

Use the Get Tested tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to type in your ZIP code and find resources.

What's Involved in Getting Yourself Tested

Your test may include:

• Physical exam – Your health care provider may examine you for any signs of an infection, such as a rash, discharge, sores or warts. For people with a vulva, this exam can be similar to a pelvic exam.
• Urine sample – You may be asked to pee into a cup. Urine samples can be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Discharge, tissue, cell or oral fluid sample – Your provider will use a swab to collect samples that will be looked at under a microscope. These samples can test for certain STIs. For example, if you have sores, a swab might be used to test for herpes. Also, if you have received anal sex (bottomed), you might need to get an anal swab to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. At SHCS, you can swab yourself!
• Blood sample – Your provider may take a blood sample, either with a needle or by pricking the skin to draw drops of blood. These can be used, for example, to test for syphilis or HIV.

Make sure you know what you’re being tested for!

For tailored care, talk to your healthcare provider about the type(s) of sex you have had (oral, vaginal, and/or anal) and – if applicable – whether you were a receptive partner (bottom), insertive partner (top) or both (vers). Throat and/or anal swabs might need to be collected for more thorough testing. If you use it, test it!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Wouldn't I know if I had an STI (including HIV)?
• Not necessarily. The most common symptom of an STI -- including HIV -- is no symptom. The only way to know if you have an infection is to get yourself tested.
• Wouldn't I know if a sexual partner had an STI (including HIV)?
• Not necessarily. You can't tell if someone has an STI/HIV just by looking at them -- or even by being sexually active with them!
  
  Remember: the most common symptom of an STI – including HIV – is no symptom. The only way for someone to know they have an infection is to get themselves tested.
• Will my parent(s)/guardian(s) know if I get myself tested?

• UC Davis SHCS is committed to protecting medical, mental health and personal information about you. Please see the following pages on our website:

  - Navigating Privacy and Confidentiality in Healthcare
  - Notice of Privacy Practices

  If you are covered under another person's health plan in California and are concerned about confidentiality, call your insurance provider to get assistance with submitting a Confidential Communication Request.

• What if I have an STI/HIV?
• The first thing you should know is that you are normal and that sexual transmitted infections are very common. To stay healthy, it is very important that you follow your treatment plan. It is also important to tell your partner(s) so that they can get themselves tested.
• How can I reduce my risk of STIs/HIV?

• Before Sex: For HPV, you can get all three doses of the HPV vaccine. There are also vaccines for Hepatitis A and B. For HIV, you can take PrEP as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

  During Sex: Use barriers, such as external and internal condoms, dental dams, and capes. Don’t forget lube! 

  After Sex: For HIV, you can take PEP as prescribed within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. For chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, you can take DoxyPEP as prescribed within 72 hours after possible exposure. 
  The only 100% guaranteed way to prevent the sexual transmission of STIs, including HIV, is to not have sex. 

External Resources

• American Social Health Association
• California AIDS, STI and Hepatitis Hotline
  1-800-367-AIDS (2437)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STI Fact Sheets
• CDC Information Line
  1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
• Family PACT
• Go Ask Alice!
• HIV.gov