At Alpha Center, we take pride in providing compassionate, exceptional medical care to those in need of routine sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. The truth is that all sexually active people are at risk for acquiring an STI, and many are asymptomatic. That’s why we provide free-of-charge STI testing and education on risk factors.
If you are already showing signs or symptoms of an STI, please make an appointment to see your regular physician, as our appointments do not include visual exams.
At Alpha Center in Fort Collins, we provide routine STI checks for those who are sexually active up to twice per year.
The Only True Way to know if you have an STI Is to Get Tested
The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested. The most common symptom of an STI is no symptoms at all!
Alpha Center offers free and confidential testing for four of the most common STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
How Often Should I Be Tested for STIs?
If you’re sexually active, the CDC has different testing guidelines depending on your anatomy.
- All sexually active individuals (male and female) between 13-64 should be tested at least once for HIV
- Sexually active females under 25 should be tested at least once a year for gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Females over 25 who have multiple or new partners should be tested once a year
- Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy. (Alpha Center does not test for hepatitis B or C, but your OBGYN will).
- Pregnant women with risk factors should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Sexually active males who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested at least once per year for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV at least once per year. Those with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently.
- Any individual who engages in behaviors that would put them at higher risk or is an IV drug user should be tested for HIV annually.
Alpha Center can provide testing at no cost to you up to twice a year and offers either treatment for chlamydia or referral if you receive positive results.
How to tell when to see your physician or get an STI Screening:
One of the most common symptoms of an STI is painful or burning urination. If you’re experiencing this symptom and it’s accompanied by other symptoms described below, it’s a good idea to seek treatment from your regular physician. Alpha Center does not provide visual exams.
Fever and/or Bumps
If you have a fever or have bumps around your genitals, these could be signs of an STI. If experiencing symptoms now, please make an appointment with your regular physician.
Sores or Rashes
If you have sores or rashes on your genitals or around your mouth, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs. These sores can be a sign of several different STIs, so it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.
STI Screenings are an Important Part of Your Sexual Health
Remember, it is always the safer option to see a medical professional, rather than guessing on your own. If you are sexually active, make sure to schedule regular STI screenings at Alpha Center.
Alpha Center is a Christian medical clinic in Fort Collins, and we believe in helping others no matter what. If you are sexually active, please get in touch with Alpha Center today.
We would be more than happy to help you!
Learn More:
Understanding and Managing Yeast Infections and Bacterial Vaginosis