Be prepared for all your not-so-silent nights
Getting tested doesn’t have to be a big deal—it’s quick, easy, and the smartest way to take care of yourself and your partners. Whether it’s been a minute since your last test or you’ve never done it before, we’re here to make it simple. No awkwardness, no judgment, and no cost. This page has everything you need to know: what testing looks like, why it matters, and how to take the next step.
Get the facts and book your free STI test today.
Who needs an STI test? | What if I don’t have symptoms? | What happens during an STI test? | When should I get tested? | How long does it take to get results? | What happens if I test positive?
Do I have to take my clothes off? | Is there a swab involved? | What STIs do you test for? | How much does it cost? | Can I test anonymously? | Why do you say “STI” and not “STD”?
Who needs an STI test?
Everyone who’s sexually active should get tested—it’s that simple. If you’re not in a monogamous relationship or have had a few partners recently, the general rule is to get tested every three months or after every third partner, whichever comes first. Many STIs don’t come with obvious symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for sure. It’s not about being scared; it’s about being smart. Getting tested means you’re taking care of yourself and anyone you share your time with.
Most STIs don’t come with symptoms—at least not right away. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can hang out for months (or years) without showing any signs, and HPV often has no symptoms at all. Just because you don’t feel it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Left untreated, STIs can cause serious issues for your health, like infertility, chronic pain, & increased risk of other infections. Plus, you can pass them on without knowing it. The only way to be sure is to get tested. Getting the results makes them easy to treat, keeps you healthy, & protects the people you care about. No symptoms doesn’t mean no problem, so don’t skip the test.
What if I don’t have symptoms?
Getting an STI test is quick, painless, and way easier than you might think. Most tests involve one or more of the following: peeing in a cup, a simple blood draw, or a swab of your mouth or throat. You don’t have to take your clothes off, and there are absolutely no swabs or needles anywhere near your urethra—forget the horror stories, they’re outdated.
The entire process is discreet, judgment-free, and over before you know it. You’ll answer a few basic questions about your sexual history, which helps ensure you’re getting the right tests, but you don’t have to share more than you’re comfortable with. If you’re worried about specific STIs or situations, you can ask questions—they’re there to help, not to shame.
Best of all, getting tested gives you clear, actionable answers about your health. Many STIs can be treated quickly and easily when caught early, so this small step is a big win for you and your partners. Skipping the test doesn’t change what’s there—it just keeps you in the dark. This way, you’re in control, informed, and ready for whatever comes next.
What happens during an STI test?
When should I get tested?
For most tests, you’ll get your results the same day—often before you even leave. Our tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C take about 20 minutes to process, while tests for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia take about 40 minutes. The only time you might need to wait longer is during special testing events, where results may be available the following day. Either way, you won’t be left hanging—you get your results quickly, clearly, & judgment-free.
Sometimes, but it’s probably not what you’re imagining. For most STI tests, you’ll just pee in a cup or give a quick blood sample. In some cases, there might be a swab of your mouth, throat, or other areas, but you’ll usually do this yourself—it’s quick, painless, and no one’s getting near your urethra. And if you’re worried about needles, don’t be: testing rarely involves anything more than a simple blood draw, and in many cases, there’s no needle at all. Those horror stories you’ve heard? Forget them. Testing today is simple, discreet, and way less intimidating than you think.
Is there a swab involved?
How long does it take to get results?
We call it the Rule of Thirds: you should get tested every three months or after every third partner—whichever comes first. Even if your partner says they’re “good” or that they don’t have any STIs, that doesn’t mean they’ve been tested recently—or at all. Many STIs don’t have symptoms, and testing too early can miss an infection. Plus, some people might not know their status or may assume they’re fine just because they feel fine.
The bottom line? You’re the only one in charge of YOUR sexual health. Regular testing puts you in control, so you don’t have to rely on someone else’s word or assumptions. Think of it as routine maintenance: small steps that go a long way in protecting yourself and your partners. It’s quick, easy, and the smartest move you can make.
First off, don’t panic—most STIs are treatable, and many are completely curable with medication. Testing positive just means you’ve got the information you need to take care of yourself and stop it from spreading. You’re not alone—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI on any given day. Catching it early often means easier treatment and fewer complications.
From there, a healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, like treatment or additional testing if needed. Testing positive doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong, and it doesn’t define you—it just means you’re being smart and responsible about your health. Getting tested is how you take charge, and treatment is how you move forward.
What happens if I test positive?
Nope. For STI tests at Bee the Vibe, you don’t have to take your clothes off at all. Testing usually involves peeing in a cup, a simple blood draw, or a quick swab of your mouth or throat—nothing invasive, and no awkward undressing. If you’re feeling anxious, know that the process is quick, discreet, and judgment-free. You’ll be in and out in no time, and you’ll walk away with the confidence of knowing your status.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
While we don't ask for your driver's license , ID, or insurance card, you will need to review and fill out an informed consent form with your name, date and signature. We may ask for your contact information to be able to reach you with your results but all information you're willing to provide is at your discretion and comfortability. You're welcome to wait in-office for all results if you prefer (office hours and staffing withstanding). Either way, the focus is on giving you the answers you need—judgment-free and on your terms. Your results are between you and the professionals helping you, so you can take control of your health with confidence.
Can I be tested anonymously?
What STIs do you test for?
We test for the most common and treatable STIs to help you stay informed and in control. These include:
HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis C
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Our tests are quick and easy—HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C results take about 20 minutes, while Gonorrhea and Chlamydia take about 40 minutes. In most cases, you’ll get your results the same day, so you can leave with the answers you need.
Nothing. It’s completely free. No fees, no hidden costs, and no insurance required. Getting tested is about taking care of yourself and your health, and cost shouldn’t get in the way of that. Bee the Vibe offers free, judgment-free testing because we believe everyone deserves access to the information they need to stay safe and in control.
How much does it cost?
Why “STIs” and not “STDs”?
We use the term STI (sexually transmitted infection) instead of STD (sexually transmitted disease) because it’s more accurate and less stigmatizing. An “infection” means something is present in your body, but it might not be causing symptoms or harm yet. Many STIs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, don’t show symptoms right away—or at all—but they can still be passed on and treated. Calling them infections focuses on what they are: common, manageable, and often easy to treat when caught early. It’s a small shift in language, but it helps keep the conversation clear, judgment-free, and focused on staying healthy.