Confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available for students at MIT Medical. There is no out-of-pocket cost to students for STI testing. Either your primary care provider (PCP) or gynecologist can test you for STIs. If you have already chosen a PCP or seen at MIT Medical, you can call either one to make an appointment. If not, call our main number at 617-253-4481.
Available Tests
We can test for infections such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital Herpes
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Trichomoniasis
Confidentiality
STI tests are performed with complete confidentiality for all students and are fully covered by the student insurance that is included with tuition. If you are covered the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP), you also have confidential prescription coverage through that plan.
However, if you have waived MIT SHIP coverage, you do not have prescription coverage through MIT. That means that if we prescribe any medications, you will need to pay for those medications out of pocket or using the prescription coverage from your other insurance plan. If you are covered through your parents’ plan, they will probably be notified that you filled a prescription. This notification may also include the name of the medication.
When to be tested
There is no single answer to questions about when or how often to be tested, because everyone is unique. Based on your sexual history, your gynecologist or PCP can advise you about how often you should be tested and for which infections. Your clinician can also provide information about safe sex methods. You do not need to be tested for STIs until you are sexually active. No baseline measures are necessary.
Where to go for testing?
MIT Medical can perform any STI tests you need. Either your primary care provider (PCP) or gynecologist can test you for STIs. If you don’t already have a PCP or gynecologist at MIT Medical, call our main number, 617-253-4481, for an appointment. In addition, MIT Medical hosts twice-a-year STI clinics for MIT Students.
If you would rather not be tested at MIT Medical, Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts is a good off-campus option. Located in Boston across the street from the Babcock Stop on the Boston College Green Line, they are open Monday– Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. You can request an appointment by calling 800-258-4448.
