Asking for STI Testing

Let’s make sure you get the right STI tests for your body and your sex. Some doctors might not know exactly how our bodies look or the kinds of sex we have. That can make it tricky to get tested the right way. Here’s how to ask for tests that match your experiences.

The tests you need depend on the sex you’ve been having.

If your doctor only does a throat swab but you’ve had other kinds of sex, you could miss an infection. Always inform your provider of the types of sex you’ve had sex since your last check-up.

How to Ask for the Right Test

When you book your test, say exactly what happened. For example:

• Someone sucked your flesh cock without a barrier last year? Ask for a urine test.
  
• A cis guy came in your ass without a condom recently? Ask for a rectal swab and a HIV test (if you’re not living with HIV, or if not on PrEP).
  
• If you’ve had front-hole play without protection, ask for a front-hole swab, and a HIV test (if you are not living with HIV, or not on PrEP).
  
• If you’ve had oral, ask for a throat swab.
  
• And so on—cover every way you’ve had sex.
  

That way, you get the tests you need and no surprises later.