Get Yourself Tested (GYT)

GYT: Get Yourself Tested is a campaign encouraging young people to get tested and treated for STIs and HIV to protect their health and that of their partners. STIs affect people of all ages, yet these infections take a particularly heavy toll on young people.

The GYT campaign highlights the idea that preventing, testing for, and treating STIs is very straightforward. The campaign offers streamlined materials to help focus efforts on STI awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment among young people.

Come to the Student Health Center during April 2024 to get yourself tested.

 The Student Health Center is offering free chlamydia and gonorrhea testing during the month of April.  This free testing is being offered in partnership with the CT Department of Public Health Laboratory.  

Asymptomatic students* may walk-in for testing:

·       Beginning on 4/2/24 through 4/30/24

·       Monday-Friday only

·       Walk-in between the hours of 9am and 3pm

*Students with symptoms of chlamydia or gonorrhea should schedule an appointment with a Student Health Center nurse practitioner ASAP.

What type of chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is being offered?

Students will need to provide a urine sample for this testing. 

Why is screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea important?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US.  Infection rates are highest among adolescents and young adults of both sexes.

Chlamydial and gonococcal infections in women are usually asymptomatic and may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and its associated complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. Infection in men may lead to urethritis and epididymitis.

Both types of infection can increase risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Is this testing confidential?

Participation in this testing event is a confidential Student Health Center patient encounter. Lab test results are managed by the Student Health Center in partnership with the CT Department of Public Health.

If I have a positive chlamydia or gonorrhea test is there treatment?

Yes, these infections are treatable with antibiotics.  The Student Health Center clinician will be able to care for any students testing positive.

Is HIV testing available at the Student Health Center?

Yes.  Students interested in having an HIV test will meet with the Student Health Center nurse practitioner to obtain a laboratory requisition for a blood draw and testing through Quest Diagnostics Laboratory.  Health insurance will be billed.  If helpful, the nurse practitioner can discuss alternative HIV testing options. 

Learn More - Link to CDC Get Your Self Tested Information

https://www.cdc.gov/std/saw/gyt/default.htm