WHAT IS A STI?
A sexually transmitted infection (also known as an STD) is a virus, infection, parasite, or fungus that individuals can get through sexual contact. If you are sexually active, you risk contracting and passing on an STI.
You can get an STI through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The following populations are more susceptible to getting STIs:
- Young people aged 15-24
- Pregnant individuals
- Women, bisexual, or homosexual men
- Individuals with decreased access to care
- Engaging in risky sexual behaviors such as not using condoms consistently and/or having multiple partners,
More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported nationwide in 2021.
In Colorado (per the latest reports available), there were 410 new diagnoses of HIV in 2021 and 38,533 new STI infections diagnosed in 2022.
Why Do I Need STI Testing If I Don't Have Symptoms?
No one wants to think about having an STI. After all, that only happens to other people, and it’s embarrassing to talk about your sex life. However, if you are sexually active, you should receive regular screening for STIs.
Up to 70% of STIs have no signs or symptoms (they’re asymptomatic), and in fact, the #1 symptom of STIs is no symptoms at all. Because there may be no symptoms, people put off getting tested.
If left untreated, STIs can cause the following:
- Increased risk of giving or getting HIV
- Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain
- Inability to get pregnant or pregnancy complications
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
From 2018 to 2023, cases of congenital syphilis increased more than seven times (from 7 cases to 50 cases). Because of this, if you are pregnant, a comprehensive STI testing panel should be performed at your first prenatal visit.
What Does Alpha Center Test For?
STIs are very common. The good news is they are also preventable, and most are curable. We give our patients the best care possible. Our nurses screen for the following STIs per CDC guidelines:
- HIV
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
Who Does Alpha Center provide sti Testing for?
Anyone can make an appointment at Alpha Center for STI testing. We offer routine STI screening and treatment at no cost to you once every six months. We also offer testing for partners of those who have had a positive test result, and tests for re-infection.
As we offer our services at no cost, your insurance is not billed, and testing is completely confidential. Please note:
- We require your ID to create your patient chart and verify your identity. This information is not shared outside of our office.
- If you are a part of the Banner Health System, your results can appear in your patient file.
What Does Alpha Center Treat?
Currently, Alpha Center treats chlamydia for free. We will provide the necessary paperwork and referrals for further evaluation and treatment of other STIs if you receive a positive result for gonorrhea, HIV, or syphilis.
What Should I Expect At My Appointment?
Your appointment will last approximately 45 minutes so we can provide proper screening and you will meet with one of our registered nurses. You are required to schedule an appointment for STI testing. Please call 970-239-2272 to set up a time.
Frequently asked questions about alpha center's sti testing
What kind of STI testing does Alpha Center offer?
Alpha Center offers STI testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV.
- For those who were assigned female at birth, testing consists of a vaginal self swab and a blood test.
- For those who were assigned male at birth, testing consists of a urine sample and a blood test. (This is the most accurate way to test, even if gender reassignment surgery (MTF) has been completed.)
Please note, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are localized infections and our testing is for genital infections. If you are concerned about an oral or anal infection, we can provide referrals.
What kind of STI treatment does Alpha Center offer?
If you test positive for Chlamydia (the most common positive result we see), Alpha Center can provide prescription antibiotic treatment in a follow-up appointment.
We are unable to offer other treatment because of follow-up and/or treatment requirements.
What happens if I test positive for an STI that Alpha Center does not treat?
If your test comes back positive for an infection we cannot treat here, we will still help you get the care you need. We will provide you with a copy of your test results to show another doctor, along with a list of local clinics and providers who can treat you.
If your HIV test comes back positive, we will refer you to the Northern Colorado Health Network as they are best equipped to talk you through next steps and help you navigate the complexities of an HIV diagnosis.
Why doesn’t Alpha Center test for herpes?
Alpha Center doesn’t provide herpes testing as it cannot be reliably detected through a blood test, but only a swab of a lesion. Because Alpha Center does not offer physical exams, this is not something we provide.
Per the CDC’s testing guidelines, herpes does not need to be included in routine testing unless you have visible lesions.
Why doesn’t Alpha Center offer physical exams?
When we offered physical exams prior to 2020, it required a doctor to be on-site, which drew out the testing process into three separate appointments. Our current testing is performed under the supervision of our Medical Director, Dr. Karen Hayes, and performed by our licensed nurses. Further testing options are beyond our budget, and as a nonprofit, free clinic, reducing the testing to only the most common STIs allows us to see more patients.
Why does Alpha Center only test for four STIs?
Alpha Center strives to provide the most helpful testing for the most patients and follows the CDC’s testing guidelines. Our nurses will go over your health history and provide education on specific risk factors that you as an individual should watch or test for. As a free screening clinic, we do not provide testing that would require follow up by a PCP or a physical exam.
Should your risk factors recommend additional testing, we can offer information on other free-or low cost options in Northern Colorado.
Why does Alpha Center ask about the sex I was assigned at birth?
Our nurses ask about your assigned sex at birth simply to ensure you get the most accurate medical care. Your original anatomy determines how certain STI tests need to be processed to give accurate results, even if you’ve had gender-affirming surgery. Knowing your anatomy also helps us share relevant info about specific health risks or testing options that fit your body and your lifestyle.
How do I schedule an STI appointment with Alpha Center?
You can schedule by calling 970.239.2272, chatting with our schedulers online, or filling out our online request form and they’ll call you to schedule.
How often can I get free testing at Alpha Center?
You can get free, routine STI testing at Alpha Center once every six months.
Does Alpha Center prescribe birth control?
Alpha Center does not prescribe or provide birth control as that is something that should be monitored by your PCP or OBGYN. Each individual has their own unique needs and can react differently to each kind of birth control, and your doctor would be the one best suited to follow up with you. If you need help getting birth control, we have a list of providers that can help you do this!
That being said, we do believe that sexually active individuals should practice safe sex and take precautions to avoid unplanned pregnancy. When not using protection, 70-75% of couples will get pregnant within the next six months.
