Get Yourself Tested Program for STIs is Back at PWHC

It may be your first year on campus, or you may have been a student for a while. Either way, taking charge of your health while you're at school is important. That includes talking openly with your partner about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and making informed decisions about your health and theirs. Through the Get Yourself Tested (GYT) program, students have access to STI testing on campus.

"The beginning of the academic year is a great time to create awareness about taking ownership of your health when you're away from home," said Huda Sharaf, M.D., Pat Walker Health Center's (PWHC) medical director. "It's important to remember that many STIs don't have symptoms, and the only way to know if you have one is to get tested."

The health center's GYT program offers an easy, convenient test for patients who are not experiencing STI symptoms.

"Bringing the program back adds another level of care that we can offer our students in an easy-to-access location on campus," said Roxanna Conley, PWHC laboratory manager. 

To access GYT, students may request an appointment through the patient portal. PWHC offers testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea during regular business hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. We can bill your insurance. If you're uninsured, we offer a 10% self-pay discount. Test results are available within one to two business days. 

Why Get Tested? 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.2 million STI cases were reported in 2024. In 2018, the CDC reported almost half of all new STIs were among people between the ages of 15-24.

"The good news is that many STIs can be successfully treated, and some can be cured, while others can be managed with ongoing medical care," Sharaf said. "We encourage students to get tested because many STIs cause no symptoms, and routine medical visits do not necessarily include STI screening. Birth control can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but most forms of birth control do not protect against STIs. Abstinence is the only way to completely eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted infection, but using condoms consistently and correctly, limiting the number of sexual partners and getting tested regularly can significantly reduce the risk."

Sharaf added that when people get tested early, treatment can start early, and the risk of spreading an infection lowers. If left untreated, an STI can lead to serious and sometimes permanent health problems—even if you never have symptoms.

To learn more about the GYT program, visit PWHC online. 

About Medical Services at Pat Walker Health Center: Pat Walker Health Center supports the University of Arkansas community by providing efficient and convenient access to medical, mental health, substance use and support services. The care team is committed to improving and maintaining the overall well-being of the university's students, faculty and staff by creating an inclusive environment promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. The Pat Walker Health Center is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/medical-health.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success and building a strong organizational culture.