Wellness at Penn will host a FREE STI Testing Week from October 26-29! Throughout the week, students will have access to events across campus and a free STI Testing Clinic at our medical care office (3535 Market Street, 1st Floor).
Don't Ghost Your STI Testing: A Free STI Testing Clinic
- October 27-October 29: Don't Ghost Your STI Testing: Free STI Testing Clinic
- Testing will be for syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and will will include urinalysis and blood draw. Testing will not be submitted through any insurance. Wellness will cover the complete cost for testing through this initiative on these designated dates.
- Walk-ins are welcome! You can also schedule an appointment by calling 215-746-3535. The clinic will be located at Wellness at Penn's medical care office, located at 3535 Market Street, 1st Floor.
Other STI Testing Week Events
- Monday, October 26: STIs, Communication, & Healthy Relationships Virtual Panel Discussion
- Join us for a panel discussion on STIs, communication, and what healthy relationships can look like. Registration is required.
- Join us for a panel discussion on STIs, communication, and what healthy relationships can look like. Registration is required.
- Tuesday, October 27: Ask a Sexpert!
- Drop in at the Penn Women’s Center anytime from 5-7 pm for personalized sexual health support from Wellness at Penn. No appointment needed!
- Drop in at the Penn Women’s Center anytime from 5-7 pm for personalized sexual health support from Wellness at Penn. No appointment needed!
- Wednesday, October 28: Snag Some Safer Sex Supplies!
- Stop by our table on Locust Walk throughout the day for free safer sex supplies, resources, and more!
- Stop by our table on Locust Walk throughout the day for free safer sex supplies, resources, and more!
Did You Know?
STIs are more common on college campuses than you may think! Nearly half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year are among young people aged 15-24.
Sexually Transmitted Infections:
- Are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites that people contract through sexual contact.
- Commonly have no symptoms, which can make them unnoticeable.
- Can ALL be treated with medications, and some can even be cured entirely.
- Can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
- Are common, especially among people between the ages of 20-24.
STI Prevention Methods:
- Use condoms and dental dams during ALL sexual encounters.
- Use lube! Using lube during vaginal and anal sex reduces tearing which also reduces STI transmission.
- Get screened for STIs regularly.
- Check your HPV and Hep B vaccination status, and get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
- Talk to your partner(s) about STI testing and prevention.
- Talk to your provider! They may recommend additional prevention methods, including PrEP and doxyPEP, based on your sexual activity.
- PrEP: a medication that prevents HIV
- doxyPEP: an antibiotic that prevents some STIs when taken after unprotected sex!
Tips for Talking to Partners
Talking to your partner(s) about STIs before the heat of the moment is a great prevention step.
- Start the conversation: Be honest and direct. Share your STI testing history, and ask about your partner’s.
- Use “I” statements: “I care about us, and I want to make sure we are both healthy.”
- Normalize testing: “Getting tested is part of my routine health care.”
Wellness Resources
To schedule an appointment with a Student Health and Counseling provider, call 215-746-WELL (9355) or visit wellness.upenn.edu to schedule online.
Condoms are always free and available to pick up at:
- 3535 Market Street, 1st Floor, during business hours (no appointment needed!)
- Wellness Express Vending Machine on the 3rd Floor of the ARCH
Learn more about Wellness at Penn's sexual and reproductive health services.