STIs AND OTHER INFECTIONS

Below you will find information about window periods, confirmatory testing, STIs that HeyDenver does not test for, and other infections to know about!

What are window periods, and why are they important?

A window period is the time during which someone has become infected with an STI and when a test can accurately detect that infection. At HeyDenver, our chlamydia and gonorrhea tests have a window period of 2 weeks. This means that if you want to know if you were infected with chlamydia after having sex with someone, you will have to wait 2 weeks after the sexual encounter in order to have an accurate test result.

For our HIV and syphilis tests, the window period is 3 months. The window period for our Hep C test is the longest, at 6 months.

below you will find information about each sti we test for:

Blood Tests at HeyDenver

  • HIV

    Are you looking for where to access confirmatory testing? Are you seeking to re-start HIV care? Or just interested in knowing more about HIV? Click the button below to open our HIV guide to receive comprehensive information about HIV care and prevention.

    Click Here

  • Syphilis

    Are you looking for where to access confirmatory testing? Do you need treatment or just want to know more about syphilis? Click on the button below to open our syphilis guide and view comprehensive information about syphilis.

    Click Here

  • Hepatitis C.

    Are you looking for where to access confirmatory testing? Do you need treatment, or just want to know more about Hep C.? Click on the button below to open our Hep C. guide and view comprehensive information about the infection.

    Click Here

cHLAMYDIA & gONORRHEA

HeyDenver provides 3-site testing for chlamydia & gonorrhea (urine test, oral swab, and rectal swab). Chlamydia & gonorrhea are both bacterial infections that can be cured with the use of antibiotics. Both of these infections also share similar symptoms, and our tests will test for both.

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea are transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, which can happen during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

    Chlamydia and gonorrhea cannot be transmitted through saliva or causal contact.

  • Both chlamydia and gonorrhea have similar symptoms. These include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation while urinating, swelling of the testicles, and no symptoms is also very common.

  • This really depends on your sexual practices and how many sexual partners you have. Everyone who is sexually active should get tested at least once a year, and for folks who have multiple sexual partners more frequent testing would be adequate.

    The important thing to remember is that HeyDenver’s chlamydia and gonorrhea tests have a 2 week window period. This means we need to let 2 weeks go by after a possible exposure in order for the test to be accurate.

  • HeyDenver is always open to answering your questions and providing you information for your specific needs. Give us a call or send us an email and we would be more than happy to help!

    (303) 962-2880

    heydenver@gmail.com

Want to get tested?

Click the button below to schedule an appointment with us!

Other STIs HeyDenver Does Not Test For:

Herpes Simplex Virus, or herpes, is a virus that is passed from skin-to-skin contact. Common symptoms include oral sores/lesions, genital sores/lesions, pain or itching, and having no symptoms is also common. Herpes can be tested through blood or a swab of a sore/lession. Herpes do have a window period of 3 months, and can be treated with antiviral medication. If left untreated, herpes will not have much of an effect on most folks, usually only causing unpredictable outbreaks, and some people get fewer outbreaks after time.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus with multiple strains that is transmitted through oral, vagina, or anal sex and through skin-to-skin contact. Common symptoms are genital warts and usually no symptoms are present. An HPV vaccine is available to people ages 11-45 to prevent high risk strains of HPV from turning into cancer. The only test that is available for HPV is a Pap smear, and most types of HPV are treatable.

Trichomoniasis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, which can happen through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Common symptoms include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis (which can be green in tint), burning sensation while urinating/ejaculating, itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals, and no symptoms at all. Trichomoniasis is tested through a swab or a urine test, has a window period of 2 weeks, and is curable.

Are you in need of an STI test HeyDenver does not offer? Scroll down for alternate testing sites!

NON-SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS TO KNOW ABOUT!

MPOX

Mpox, or monkeypox, is a viral infection transmitted through close personal contact, such as kissing, sex, and other skin-to-skin contact. Many cases have been mild, but severe illness may occur. No matter what, stay updated and informed.

Symptoms can look like rashes, bumps, or blisters which can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals. This may look similar to syphilis, herpes, or other common skin rashes. Other symptoms can include: fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle aches.

If you believe you are experiencing mpox symptoms, Contact a provider and ask for testing. Avoid close contact, wear a mask, and cover any exposed rashes, ,bumps, or blisters around others until you get checked out.

Remember, while many cases have been detected in men who have sex with men, ANYONE can get mpox. Blaming men who have sex with men may harm public health efforts and cause providers to miss mpox in other communities.

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO ACCESS MORE MONKEYPOX INFORMATION, INCLUDING TESTING SITES IN THE STATE OF COLORADO

HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A is an acute (short-term) viral infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is known to spread through the “fecal-oral” route. Although it is not commonly classified as an STI, Hepatitis A can spread through certain types of sexual contact (like oral-anal sex), as well as close contact with someone with Hepatitis A. Consuming food contaminated with HAV can result in infection as well.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A often occur abruptly, and include fever, fatigue, yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and lightly colored stool.

Hepatitis A has become less common in the US over time with the help of the Hepatitis A vaccine. Most people receive the Hepatitis A vaccine during childhood, which provides lifelong protection against infection. If you have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A, speak with your medical provider or contact HeyDenver for resources to access the vaccine.

HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) that can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Although it is the most likely type of Hepatitis to be transmitted sexually, it is not considered to be an STI. Hepatitis B spreads primarily through contact with contaminated bodily fluids, including blood and semen. Sexual contact, sharing equipment used to prepare or inject substances, or sharing certain household items (like toothbrushes, razors, or medical equipment) are all potential sources of Hepatitis B infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B include fever, fatigue, yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and clay-colored stool. However, it is fairly common to not have symptoms at all.

Hepatitis B is preventable with the Hepatitis B vaccine. Most people receive the vaccine during childhood. However, some people may benefit from additional doses of the vaccine throughout their lifetime. A blood test called a “Hepatitis B Titer Test” can determine if you are protected against Hepatitis B infection. If you have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis B, or feel that you may benefit from a titer test, speak with your medical provider or contact HeyDenver for resources to access these services

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEP A & HEP B, INCLUDING A VACCINE PROVIDER

Information on this page provided by CDPHE

If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you get seen by a medical provider. Given that HeyDenver is a non-clinical testing site, we cannot asses symptoms, provide diagnosis, or treatment. Click on the link below to see alternate testing sites if we cannot fulfill your needs.