STIs impact young people the hardest. Almost half of all new infections reported in the United States are among people aged 15-24.
Anyone who has sex with others can get an STI. STIs are spread predominantly by unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
STIs pass from person to person via:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Other bodily fluids
Most STIs don't have symptoms. The only way to know your STI status is to get tested. STI testing is recommended three weeks after possible exposure. If you're sexually active, make STI testing part of your routine health care at Health & Wellness.
ONLINE QUIZ: See if you're at risk for an STI
Confidential STI Testing at UNH
Make an appointment with a Health & Wellness clinician. During your appointment, we'll ask you questions about your sexual health history. Some of the questions include:
- How many sexual partners you’ve had
- Which body parts do you use when you have sex
- How often you have condomless sex (e.g., sex without using a condom)
- If your sexual experiences are consensual
- How often do you experience sexual pleasure
- If you’ve had an STI in the past
There will also be time for you to ask questions. Together, you and the clinician will discuss which STI tests are recommended based on your sexual health history.
Take-home chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common STIs among young adults, including UNH students. Our take-home testing kit helps make getting tested easy.
Easy 3-Step Take-Home Test Process
Step 1: Pick up the take-home testing kit at Health & Wellness
No appointment is needed. Come to Health & Wellness and grab the take-home STI testing kit in our lobby anytime we are open.
Step 2: Collect a morning urine sample
Morning urine samples often have more accurate test results. When you wake up in the morning, urinate into the cup up to the black line (1 oz.). Seal the cup tightly. Complete the label on the urine cup. Place the urine sample into the bag.
Step 3: Return the take-home kit to Health & Wellness
Return the kit the same day you collect your morning urine sample.
Getting Results, Treatment & Prevention
- You will receive the results within 3-5 business days. You will be notified of your results on your MyHealth&Wellness portal or by phone from your clinician.
- Treatment guidelines
If you test positive, follow all treatment guidelines prescribed by your clinician. This includes not having sex until your treatment has been completed. - Get routine testing
If you’re sexually active, make STI/HIV testing part of your routine health care at Health & Wellness. - Prevent STIs/HIV by using barrier methods
Practice safer sex with condoms, dental dams, and lubrication, available at Health & Wellness anytime we are open. No questions asked. - Encourage testing with your sexual partner(s)
Talk to your sexual partner(s) about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together. And if you have an STI, tell your partner(s). These conversations can be hard to have, but open communication is essential to your sexual well-being and helps us stop the spread of STIs at UNH. - Talk to your friends
Share your testing experience with your friends and encourage a culture of pleasurable, safer sex and STI/HIV testing at UNH.
Paying for Testing
- Bill your health insurance provider
Make sure your health insurance information is uploaded to the MyHealth&Wellness portal. - Pay out-of-pocket at Health & Wellness
You can view current pricing here.
Confidentiality and Billing
In some cases, we can bill your health insurance in a way that does not disclose the treatment you were provided on your insurance bill. This is based on your health insurance. In some cases, students choose to pay out-of-pocket to guarantee their confidentiality. Learn more about fees and payment.
Additional Resources
