STI Testing

Because sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often show no symptoms, many of those who are infected don’t even know it, or they have mild signs that can be easily overlooked. The only way to know if you or a partner has an STI is to get tested.

STI testing, in contrast to GYT screening, is a service provided during a medical appointment, which is billed to your health insurance. To make an STI testing appointment, call 504-865-5255 or schedule via the Patient Portal.

Window Periods and Test Timing

If you have been exposed to an STI, there is a “window period” in which the infection is not yet detectable by testing, but it is still possible to transmit the infection to a partner. The window period for chlamydia and gonorrhea is 10 days and the window period for HIV is three months. If you receive STI testing during the window period, your test results may not be accurate. If you are concerned that you’ve been exposed to an STI, it’s best to schedule an STI testing appointment after you’ve exited the window period. If you’re unsure when is the appropriate time to be tested for a particular STI, it is best to consult a Health Center provider for guidance.

When is STI testing appropriate?

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested on a regular basis, especially if you have more than one partner. Ask your Health Center provider to help you determine an appropriate testing frequency.
If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner, or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI
If you have symptoms such as rash, sores, bumps, itching, burning, pain, odor, discharge, and/or bleeding in your genital region
If you had an experience of sexual assault/sexual violence since your last STI screening**

** If you have experienced sexual assault/sexual violence, Get Help Now.

STI Testing vs. GYT Screening Side-by-Side Comparison

STI Testing	GYT Screening
Choose testing: If you have symptoms such as a rash, sore, bumps, itching, burning, pain, odor, discharge, and/or bleeding in your genital region If for some reason you are worried you have been exposed to an STI Because GYT screening is only for HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia, choose STI testing if you would like to be tested for additional STIs If you have had a recent experience of sexual assault/sexual violence**	Choose screening: If you show no symptoms of STIs If you have had no recent exposure to an STI If you would like a confidential screening for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia only Learn more about GYT.

STI Testing

GYT Screening

Choose testing:

If you have symptoms such as a rash, sore, bumps, itching, burning, pain, odor, discharge, and/or bleeding in your genital region
If for some reason you are worried you have been exposed to an STI
Because GYT screening is only for HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia, choose STI testing if you would like to be tested for additional STIs
If you have had a recent experience of sexual assault/sexual violence**

Choose screening:

If you show no symptoms of STIs
If you have had no recent exposure to an STI
If you would like a confidential screening for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia only

Learn more about GYT.

** If you have experienced sexual assault/sexual violence, Get Help Now.

STI Resources

To learn more about common sexually transmitted infections, visit the links below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Low-Cost STI Testing in the Community

Planned Parenthood: 504-897-9200
CrescentCare: 504-821-2601

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COVID-19 REPORTING

Use this link if you suspect you are infected with COVID-19 or have come in contact with someone who is infected.

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