Free Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing and Pizza for UW Students Sept. 25

The University of Wyoming Student Health Service is offering free sexually transmitted disease (chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV) testing for UW students Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Free pizza will be available to students.

Student Health Service, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Health, Albany County Public Health and the Wellness Ambassadors, sponsors the event.

According to the latest health data, Wyoming has seen a 50 percent increase in cases of gonorrhea since 2016. And more than half of those infected with chlamydia, and many more infected with gonorrhea and those with HIV infections (until AIDS develops) may not have any symptoms, says Amy Robohm, UW Student Health Service family nurse practitioner.

Last year, Student Health Service treated 70 cases of chlamydia, Robohm says.

At the free testing event, students will collect their own specimens in the bathroom. Males will collect a urine specimen in a cup and should not urinate one hour before testing; women will collect a vaginal sample. Results take about two weeks.

Students who want to be tested for HIV will have a fingerstick blood sample obtained. The test usually takes a half hour to obtain the result.

“At the busiest time, it may take about an hour from the start of the process to obtain your HIV result. No physical exam is involved,” Robohm says. “The Wyoming Union is not a confidential setting. If this is a concern, students should consider making an appointment for private testing at the Student Health Service.”

To make an appointment, call 766-2130.

“If you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, you will not obtain treatment at this event,” Robohm says. “Please consider making an appointment for testing at the Student Health Service, where you can receive testing, an examination -- if appropriate -- and treatment in one visit.”

For more information, call Student Health Service at 766-2130.