So you’ve decided to get tested. Now what?
Lafene offers STD testing (including HIV) and counseling for both men and women. Women can obtain testing through the Women’s Clinic and men through the General Clinic. An appointment may be made by calling 785- 532-6544.
*ID CARD REQUIRED: Students must show their current K-State student ID card to receive services. Please use East Main Entrance for all clinics.
STD and Testing FAQ’s
1.
Why should I get tested?
-Any sexually active person, regardless of sexual orientation, can be at risk to contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexually transmitted diseases are very common. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are more than 19 million new cases of STDS in the U.S. By age 25, roughly one in two sexually active people will contract a STD. The risk of contraction increases with no use or misuse of barrier protection, multiple sex partners, and if you already have a STD. The good news is all STDS are treatable, and many are curable. Putting off medical care for an STD can have adverse health effects for both women and men. If left untreated, some STDS can cause infertility, increase your risk of getting cancer, and increase your risk of getting
HIV and other STDs if you are exposed to an infected partner.
- If you notice or have noticed any changes, irritations, or unusual discharge or discomfort in your genital area or when urinating, you should see a health care provider immediately as these may be signs of an STD.
*Note: Not all STD infections show signs or symptoms.
Not all genital infections are STDS.
2.
Wouldn’t I know if I or my partner had an STD?
-No, the number one symptom of all STDs (including HIV) is NO symptoms at all. Many people who are infected don’t even know it! The only 100% way to know if you or anyone else has an STD is to get tested.
3.
What are the most common STDS on campus?
-Herpes, Genital Warts, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

4.
Can I get a STD from performing or receiving oral sex?
-Yes, STDs are caused by viruses or bacteria that like soft, moist and warm areas such as your mouth and genitals (penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and perineal area). STDs can spread from the genital area to the mouth and from the mouth to the genital areas. They are generally passed between people via bodily fluids or direct contact with infected skin or sores. If you are performing or receiving oral sex use barrier protection each time.
5.
What STDs should I get tested for?
-Unfortunately there isn’t one test for all of the STDs out there. STD tests are specific to each infection. You and your healthcare provider will decide for which STDs you are at risk and which you should be tested for. It is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual history. They are there to help you, not to judge you. The provider will be able to identify your risks and be able to help you make important decisions about testing and prevention practices.
- The following STD screenings (testing) can be done at Lafene:
 Herpes

Genital Warts

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Syphilis

Trichomoniasis

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

HIV
6.
What’s involved in testing?
-The type of test or tests you need can vary depending on your age, sex, sexual history and which STD you’re getting tested for. Unfortunately there isn’t one test for all the STDs out there. Your test(s) at Lafene may include:
 Physical exam
 Urine sample
 Discharge, tissue, cell or fluid sample
 Blood sample
7.
What is a Pap smear and does it test for STDs?
- A Pap smear is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. The procedure is usually not painful, although there may be some discomfort when the cervix is touched to collect the sample. Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests may be done also at this time.
*Note: It is important to check with your healthcare provider to determine which STD screens are being performed in accompany of a Pap smear.

9.
When will I receive the results of my STD test(s)?
-Sometimes a diagnosis can be made based on a physical exam and symptoms.
Treatment could be prescribed right away. Other times, your healthcare provider may need to send a sample to the lab. Results depend on the type of test but generally do not take longer than 1-2 weeks. Always follow up with your health care provider to get your results.
10.
What happens next if I test positive for an STD?
-Remember most STDS are treatable and many are curable. There are many different kinds a treatments for STDS (including HIV) such as antibiotics, medications, and support groups. Depending on the type of STD you tested positive for determines the type of treatment. It is important to discuss with your health care provider the right treatment plan for you.
11.
Who will know?
-Generally, medical information is kept confidential between the patient and health care provider. Positive results for some STDs, like HIV or Syphilis, may be shared with the
Kansas Department of Health & Environment or Riley County Health Department for tracking purposes; but there are laws preventing health departments and facilities from sharing your test results with your family, friends, or employer.
If you are using health insurance to get tested, you should consider who else has access to that information (like parent or partner if you share health insurance). Be sure to ask your health care provider who will know your results.
12.
How much will it cost?
-STD testing costs can vary and depend on which test(s) you get. Also the patient must consider if they will be using health insurance or prefer to pay out of pocket.
*NOTE: As a student at K-State, a student health fee is included in your tuition each semester. This Student Health fee entitles you to:

Access all the services available at the Health Center from the time of fee payment on campus until midnight the day before the next semester begins.

See a healthcare provider free of charge.

Students needing other services or procedures such as laboratory test, x-rays, physical therapy treatments, medications or medical supplies will be charged
a fee.
For more detailed information about fees, health insurance, and payment policies contact the Lafene Business Office. For Cashier questions call 785-532-7759 and for
Insurance questions call 785-532-6749.

STD Prevention FAQs
1.
Do condoms prevent you from being infected by all sexually transmitted diseases?
When used consistently and correctly, male latex condoms are effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV infection and can reduce the risk for other
STDs (i.e., gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas). However, because condoms do not cover all exposed areas, they are likely to be more effective in preventing infections transmitted by fluids from mucosal surfaces (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HIV) than in preventing those transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (e.g., herpes simplex virus [HSV], HPV, syphilis, and chancroid)." Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2010.
2.
Where can I learn more about STD prevention methods and contraceptives on
campus?
-The office of Health Promotions at Lafene Health Center offers a variety of sexual health information and barrier method contraceptives free of charge to all K-State students. In addition the SHAPE organization (Sexual Health Awareness Peer
Educators) assist peers in need of information on issues regarding sexual health and
STDs (including HIV/AIDS) by providing health education programming and events on campus.
For more information and questions call the SHAPE advisor at 785-532-6595.
-The LGBT Resource Center offers information surrounding the LGBT community and barrier method contraceptives free of charge to all K-State students.
For more information and questions call the LGBT Resource Center at 785-532-5352.