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We get it. Going to the doctor’s office to be tested for an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is not your preferred way to spend your time, but it doesn’t have to be scary or embarrassing. STIs are way more common than you think (there were 2.4 million STIs reported in the U.S. in 2023), and we are here to dispel some myths around them to make the next time you visit our clinic less intimidating.

So, we’ve asked 2 of our clinicians, Ross Morgan (he/him), one of our physician’s assistants, and Sarah Miller (she/her), our lead clinician for our North Shore location, to answer a few commonly asked questions they get asked about STIs.

What are some ways to prevent STIs?

Ross: There are barrier protections like condoms and dental dams. There are medication options like PrEP, which is highly effective in preventing HIV. There’s Doxy Pep, which decreases the transmission of syphilis and chlamydia. Certain sexual acts have lower risks of contracting STIs, like mutual masturbation, or oral sex. 

I don’t have any symptoms, how do I know I have an STI?

Sarah: You may not know! You may have symptoms, some people have discharge, some people have pain, some people have a rash or a sore, and some people have no symptoms at all. So the most important thing to do is to get tested regularly. We recommend testing every 3 months at a minimum.

Do I have to get my blood drawn?

Sarah: The answer is yes. This is how we test for HIV and syphilis, so it’s super important to get your blood drawn when you get tested.

Where can you get STIs?

Ross: Where can’t you get STIs? You can get them in all sorts of fun places: internally, externally, in your genitalia, rectally, in your throat. You’d be surprised where you can find them. Whenever you are having sex, depending on where you’re having that sex, you should be getting checked.

I tested positive for an STI, now what?

Ross: For a lot of STIs, we have great treatment options to cure whatever infection you might get. It's definitely worth coming in and getting treated for it. There are other complications that can come whenever you don't get treated. So it's important that you do.

I’m really embarrassed, do I have to tell my partner(s) I tested positive?

Sarah: I get it, it’s hard. But you really do need to tell them. They need to get checked for their health, and you want to make sure you don’t re-contract that STI if you’re with them again. Just rip off that bandage and be honest with them. 

I’m nervous about getting tested. Do you have some advice?

Ross: Sexual health is part of your health. Be honest with us, be open with us. It’s how we can best treat you and take care of you.
Sarah: STIs are more common than you think. So you may be feeling worried, but we know what to do. Talk to us about it, and we won’t judge you.


You can visit any of our six clinics by making an appointment, or by walking right in! If you need after-hours testing, we test at 3 different bathhouses in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Columbus.

  • Club Pittsburgh: Tuesday-Saturday from 4 PM-11 PM
  • Club Columbus: 3rd Fridays from 9 PM-3 AM
  • Flex Spas Cleveland: Fridays from 8 PM-12 AM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 PM-1 AM.

Need after-hours testing but don’t want to stay out too late? At Stonewall Columbus, we’ll be testing at Stonewall After Dark every Tuesday from 5-9 PM!