April is Get Yourself Tested Month

Milwaukee, Wis. – April is Get Yourself Tested Month and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will be providing free STD testing for uninsured patients. The tests are quick, easy, and confidential and can be done in-person or via virtual visits.

As many as one in five sexually active people in the U.S. is positive for an STD — and many won’t know it. The only way to know for sure is by getting tested as most STDs do not have symptoms.

According to Wisconsin Department of Health Services 2022 data nearly 40,000 new STI infections occur annually in the state. Added to this, Syphilis rates are rising — with nearly 30% of those cases also testing positive for HIV.

Free tests and visits for patients will include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV. Other services will have an additional cost. Asymptomatic patients may be seen via telehealth. If seen via telehealth, the patient will need to come to a health center for a lab only visit to provide a testing sample.

Regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, STD awareness and testing is a basic part of staying healthy and taking care of your body. It is important to know your risks and protect your health.

Access to testing and treatment, along with education about STD prevention, are the best ways to ensure that people stay healthy and safe.

Appointments can be made at ppwi.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.