Penn State Berks offers confidential STD and STI testing for students.

The terms "sexually transmitted disease" (STD) and "sexually transmitted infection" (STI) refer to the same thing: infections that are passed primarily from person-to-person through sexual contact. According to medical terminology, infections are classified as diseases only when they cause symptoms. It's important to know that most people who have an STI don't have symptoms.

If you have had oral, vaginal, or anal sex, you should consider getting tested for STIs. STIs are very common, especially among young people. In fact, almost half of the 19 million new STIs this year will occur in 15-24 year olds.Because most people who have an STI don't have symptoms, it is important that you get tested regularly to protect yourself and others. Getting tested can bring you peace of mind about your STI status. It can also help you get the treatment you and your partner(s) need if you test positive.

There is no single test for every STI. However, Health Services can provide confidential testing for a number of STIs, including:

  • Chlamydia/Gonorrhea
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

Fees vary depending on the nature of your visit, and what tests are performed. During a confidential appointment with our nurse, specific tests will be recommended based on your risk factors and may include tests other than those listed above.

Students can either pay at the time of service or Health Services can bill your student account (charges will not list specific reasons for the visit). Health Services has arranged for low cost testing options for our students or resources for free STD testing off campus.

Call 610-396-6075 or come to 8 Perkins Student Center to request an appointment. Men are advised not to urinate at least one hour prior to appointment.

Depending on what tests are performed, procedures may involve collecting a urine sample; throat, cervical, vaginal, or rectal swabs; and/or blood work.

Depending on what tests are performed, it takes from a few days to two weeks after your appointment to get test results.

You will receive a phone call when your results are available. Negative test results can be given over the phone. Positive results require a visit with the provider in order to prescribe the proper treatment.