STI (STD) Testing

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About sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – sometimes called "sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)" – are usually caused by bacteria or viruses, and are typically passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Most commonly, STIs are spread during unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. However, some infections – like HPV and herpes – require only skin-to-skin contact.

Most common STIs

STIs are very common – approximately one in four college students has an STI. HPV, chlamydia, and herpes are the most common STIs among college students. Our sexual health fact sheet provides a comprehensive overview of common infections, including prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options.

The good news is that treatment is available for all STIs. However, some STIs are not curable, including HPV and herpes.

STI symptoms

STI symptoms might include sores, bumps, discharge, painful urination, or pain or discomfort during sex. However, some people with an STI have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms. 

It's important to know that STIs can be transmitted even when symptoms are not present.

When to get tested

If you have symptoms ...

You should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to be evaluated by a clinician to determine the cause of your symptoms, and to receive medical treatment, if necessary. Some STIs can cause serious health problems if they are not treated.

If you don’t have symptoms ...

Many people with STIs don't have any symptoms. If you're sexually active, or you're considering having sex with a new partner, it’s important to know your STI status so you can receive treatment as well as protect sexual partners. Testing is especially important if you've had unprotected sexual contact, or if you find out a sexual partners has an STI.

You can speak with a sexual health nurse at Cornell Health about recommended testing based on your risk factors (see "appointments" below). For more information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Planned Parenthood for testing recommendations. 

What happens during testing

Your provider will collect information about your sexual health history and any symptoms or other concerns you might have. (If you do not have any symptoms, this first step can take place "virtually" without having to come to Cornell Health; see "If you are not experiencing symptoms" below.) 

Depending on your symptoms (if present) and other risk factors, a provider may:

  • Conduct a physical assessment/examination
  • Collect a specimen by swabbing your throat, penis, anus, or vagina
  • Provide you with instructions to take a urine sample and/or a vaginal or rectal swab
  • Send you to the Cornell Health lab for a blood sample 

STIs can be bacterial or viral, and there is no one inclusive test, so you will likely be asked to provide several different types of samples to be tested. 

How to get tested

Appointments for STI testing can be scheduled in two ways:

  • Online: log in to CornellHealth, click on Appointments > Schedule an appointment, then select "Primary Care (medical clinician or nurse) appointment" and follow the prompts
  • By phone: call 607-255-5155 during business hours  

If you're experiencing symptoms, you will be scheduled with a medical clinician for an in-person visit.

If you are not experiencing symptoms, you can schedule either an in-person screening appointment with a sexual health nurse OR a "virtual visit" as the first step to getting care:

  • In-person screening appointments give you an opportunity to discuss questions and concerns with a sexual health nurse.
  • If you choose a "virtual visit," you will complete a questionnaire after scheduling your appointment. A nurse will review your questionnaire, and will send you a secure message through myCornellHealth with instructions for next steps, which typically includes coming to Cornell Health for lab work and/or a follow-up in-person appointment.

Cost of testing

  • Preventive STI screenings (no symptoms) with a sexual health nurse are available to students at no cost. 
  • Students who have symptoms and require a clinician visit have a $10 appointment charge. 

Additional testing resources

STI prevention

  • Using condoms (internal or external) and latex squares (“dental dams”) can help reduce your risk of contracting an STI.
  • Get immunized against Hepatitis A and B, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). 
  • Know your STI status, and communicate with sexual partners about your STI statuses and screening history. 
  • Consider the risks associated with sex under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, as well as sexual activity facilitated by online hook-up apps.
  • Schedule an appointment with a sexual health nurse at Cornell Health for safer sex information, supplies, and prescriptions.


To help reduce STI transmission, NY State requires that positive STI tests be confidentially reviewed by the local health department and that assistance with proper treatment be provided to infected individuals and their partner(s).