Public Health Madison & Dane County

It’s “Get Yourself Tested” (GYT) Month! This national campaign centers on screening for all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and raising awareness, especially among young people.

“This campaign couldn’t come at a more important time, after regular health checkups and screenings have unfortunately taken a backseat during the pandemic for many people, including getting tested for STIs,” said Madeleine Armstrong, a public health nurse in our sexual and reproductive health clinic.

During the month of April, testing and treatment for STIs at Public Health Madison & Dane County is free for everyone! Many of our partner agencies, including Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, for UW students, the University Health Services Sexual Health Clinic, are also providing free or low cost testing during the month. After April, our STI testing and treatment is free if you make less than $39,000/year and $25 for people who make more than $39,000/year.

Why STI Testing is So Important

STI testing dropped off significantly in recent years, with only 707 STI tests conducted by Public Health Madison & Dane County in 2020 compared to 1,952 in 2019.

STIs impact young people the most. In the U.S., almost half of all new infections in 2018 were among people aged 15-24. Some STIs can lead to lasting and serious health problems if they are not treated. An untreated STI, like chlamydia, can make it difficult or impossible for a woman to get pregnant. Locally, syphilis cases, including congenital cases, have been rising too. Babies can get syphilis infection from their mother at any stage in pregnancy and has devastating consequences.

Services We Offer

During April, we offer free, confidential testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Trichomonas testing is free for patients with vaginas and for patients with a penis who present with symptoms. Genital herpes testing is offered for symptomatic patients (via swab). Condoms and Emergency Contraceptive is also available at no cost. After April, our STI testing and treatment is free if you make less than $39,000/year and $25 for people who make more than $39,000/year.

We welcome people of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. “We know that many teens don’t feel comfortable talking to their primary healthcare providers about sex during annual health visits. Our clinic offers a judgment free and confidential space to get some of those sexual and reproductive health questions answered,” said Armstrong. 

Schedule an Appointment

Give us a call us at (608) 243-0411 to schedule an appointment or ask a question about our services. We also are able to provide free transportation to and from an appointment, just let us know you’re interested in a ride when you call to make your appointment. Our Sexual and Reproductive Health clinic hours are on our website.