December gets busy. Plans stack up, schedules shift, and health tasks get put on the back burner. Your sexual health should not. Use this quick guide to stay covered in St. Louis, even when your calendar is full.

Where To Test In St. Louis

Health Stop STL, Testing & Referral Center
Walk in for free, confidential STI and HIV testing. No insurance or ID required. Staff help you choose the right tests for your situation. Ask about site-specific swabs for throat and rectum.

County and Community Clinics
St. Louis County Sexual Health Clinics and community health centers offer free or low-cost testing and treatment. Many accept walk-ins. Call ahead for holiday hours.

Planned Parenthood and Campus Clinics
Planned Parenthood and university health centers provide testing with sliding fees or student coverage. Confirm hours before you go.

At-home Testing When Time is Tight

Order a free at-home HIV test kit through Health Stop STL partners. Kits arrive in discreet packaging with clear instructions. Video guides cover throat swabs, rectal swabs, urine samples, fingerstick tests, and oral swabs. Use a clinic follow-up if anything is positive or unclear.

What to Test and When

If you have new or multiple partners, test every three to six months. Test sooner after a known exposure or a condom issue.

• HIV: Start with a rapid test, then a 4th-generation lab test during the window period.
  
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Use a urine test kit or vaginal swab, and ask for throat and rectal swabs if you had oral or anal sex.
  
• Syphilis: Ask for a blood test.
  
• Herpes: Swab a new sore as soon as it appears. Blood tests are situational.
  

If you test early, plan a follow-up during the reliable window period.

When Timing is Urgent

Think there was an HIV exposure in the last 72 hours? Seek PEP immediately. It is a 28-day course that prevents infection when started quickly. If you have condomless sex with partners assigned male at birth and are eligible, ask about DoxyPEP. Take it as soon as possible, within 24 hours if you can, and no later than 72 hours, to reduce risk of chlamydia and syphilis.

Make Visits Simple

Bring a short timeline of recent partners and exposure types. List symptoms, even mild ones. Ask for the tests that match your activities. Request condoms and lube while you are there.

Your Holiday Checklist

• Book a free test or walk in at Health Stop STL
  
• Order a discreet at-home HIV test kit if you cannot get in
  
• Refill condoms and pick up internal condoms or dental dams
  
• Save information on PEP, PrEP, and DoxyPEP
  
• Set a reminder for follow-up testing if needed
  

Bottom line: Holidays should not delay your care. Visit Health Stop STL for free testing, prevention options, and fast guidance that fits your plans.