STI Testing Policy & Resources

To participate in a Top Floor play party, guests must provide verified STI test results, even if they don't plan on engaging in sexual activity. This policy fosters a culture of regular testing and sexual health responsibility—it's not about creating a “safe” party, which is impossible to guarantee. Even with testing, the risk of STIs remains.

While vaccinations are not required to participate in Top Floor events, we strongly encourage all members to explore available vaccines and preventive medications that reduce the risk of STIs and related illnesses. Learn more below.

Submit your STI test results here.

For those who prefer a more personal approach, you’re welcome to schedule a short Zoom call with us to share your results face-to-face. We’re happy to accommodate you in the way that feels best.

You can find our Privacy Policy for handling STI test results here.

Requirements:

  • Test must be dated within 3 months of the play party that you’ll be attending.

  • Results must be included for the following:

    • HIV-1

    • Genital chlamydia

    • Syphilis

    • Genital gonorrhea

    • Oral gonorrhea (throat swab)

Free Testing Options:

  • Chelsea & Fort Green Express Clinics (FREE)
    303 9th Avenue, First Floor, Manhattan & 295 Flatbush Avenue Ext, Brooklyn. Quick, routine STI testing for people with no symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. They also have a Quickie Lab for rapid results on chlamydia and gonorrhea.

  • GMHC (FREE)
    Another excellent free option for reliable STI testing in NYC.

  • AHF Wellness Center - Brooklyn (FREE)
    475 Atlantic Ave, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Walk-ins are welcome from 5p-7p weekdays and 12p-4p Saturdays, and they provide the full suite of tests required by Top Floor, including a throat swab, without any questions. Test results are typically available within 2–3 days. For inquiries, call +1 917-246-7498.

Other Testing Options:

  • Urgent Care Facilities
    Urgent care facilities such as CityMD provide a reliable alternative for STI testing, particularly if you need results within a few days. For instance, CityMD typically delivers test results within 2 to 3 days. Testing on a Wednesday morning usually means you can expect results by Saturday. Many urgent care facilities accept a range of insurance plans, making this a practical option for covered individuals.

Vaccines & Medications that Lower STI Risk

Vaccines and preventive medications are powerful tools to protect yourself and others from sexually transmitted infections and related diseases, including some cancers. In addition to vaccines, you may also want to consider medications that can help prevent HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These can be prescribed by your doctor, local health clinics, or even via online/telehealth services. You can access these at your doctor’s office, a major pharmacy (like Duane Reade or CVS), a City Sexual Health Clinic, Planned Parenthood, or other similar facilities.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

  • What it is:
    HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various cancers—including cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and throat cancers.

  • Why it matters:
    The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing these cancers in all genders, regardless of whether you were assigned male or female at birth.

  • Vaccine history & new research:
    The original clinical studies focused on people vaccinated before age 26 and receiving a three-dose series. Since then, two major findings have emerged:

    1. People of any age can benefit from the vaccine. This is especially relevant in a community like Top Floor, where members may be more sexually active later in life than in their early 20s.

    2. A single dose may provide lasting protection. While multiple doses are still standard, studies suggest strong efficacy even with one dose.

  • Access & insurance:
     Because of the significant reduction in cancer risk, the HPV vaccine is now recommended and covered by insurance for all adults 45 years or younger.
    Adults older than 45 can still get vaccinated and may benefit, though insurance may not cover it in that case.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

  • What it is:
    Hepatitis B is a virus transmitted through sex, blood, and other bodily fluids. It can lead to serious liver disease and even liver cancer.

  • Why it matters:
    The hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lifelong protection for most people who complete the vaccine series.

  • Dosing:
    A two- or three-dose series, depending on the formulation.

  • Who should get it:
    The original vaccine schedule focused on infants and children, but people of any age can benefit, especially in a sexually active community like Top Floor.

  • Immunity & boosters:
    All adults in the U.S. should have received this vaccine, but some may not have—or may have lost immunity over time.
    A simple blood test can confirm immunity. If you're not immune, you can receive a booster dose.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

  • What it is:
    Hepatitis A is a virus that causes liver inflammation. It's spread through contaminated food or water, and through oral-anal contact during sex.

  • Why it matters:
    Infection can lead to weeks of illness, including fever, fatigue, nausea, and digestive symptoms.
    Outbreaks have been reported among sexually active adults across the U.S. in recent years.

  • Dosing:
    Two doses are required for lasting protection.

  • Who should get it:
    Although many children now receive this vaccine as part of routine immunization, many adults have not.
    Anyone who has not been vaccinated—or is unsure of their status—should consider getting it, especially in a community like Top Floor.

Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccine

  • What it is:
    Mpox is a virus that spreads through close personal contact, including sex. It can cause a painful rash, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.

  • Why it matters:
    People living with HIV are at higher risk for severe illness that may require hospitalization.

  • Vaccine details:
    The JYNNEOS vaccine is safe and effective at both preventing mpox infection and reducing the severity of illness if someone is infected.

  • Dosing:
    A single dose offers some protection, but two doses are recommended for longer-lasting immunity.

  • Who should get it:
    While public health campaigns have prioritized gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, the vaccine is beneficial for anyone in a sexually active community like Top Floor, regardless of gender or orientation.

HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

  • What it is:
    PrEP is a preventive treatment for HIV, taken before exposure to prevent infection. It is over 99% effective when taken as prescribed.

  • Forms available:

    • Daily pills (brand names: Truvada or Descovy)

    • Injection (every-other-month, Apretude)

  • Who it’s for:
    PrEP was originally recommended for high-risk groups—such as gay and bisexual men, people with HIV-positive partners, or those with frequent STI diagnoses.
    But today, PrEP is an option for anyone who wants to reduce their HIV risk, regardless of sexual identity or behavior.

  • Why it matters for Top Floor:
    In a community where connections are frequent and dynamic, many people may benefit from PrEP as a proactive layer of protection.

  • Access & insurance:
    PrEP is covered by insurance and increasingly available through telehealth programs. If you’re in NYC, you can also access it through NYC Health Department Sexual Health Clinics.

Doxy-PEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

  • What it is:
    Doxy-PEP is like a Plan B for STIs. It involves taking doxycycline after a sexual encounter to reduce your chances of getting certain infections.

  • How it works:
    Take 200mg (2 pills) of doxycycline within 72 hours after condomless sex.

  • What it prevents:
     Research shows significant reduction in:

    • Syphilis

    • Chlamydia

    • Some reduction in gonorrhea as well

  • Who it’s most effective for:
    The strongest evidence of benefit is for cisgender men and transgender women.
    Effectiveness is unclear for people assigned female at birth, but use may still be reasonable depending on individual risk and medical guidance.

  • Access:
    Doxy-PEP is recommended by the CDC and some state health departments, including New York.
    Not all providers are aware of it yet—so be prepared to advocate for yourself if needed.

Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma: What You Should Know

While not included in Top Floor’s required testing panel, ureaplasma and mycoplasma are lesser-known bacterial organisms that can be sexually transmitted and may significantly impact vaginal health.

Why It Matters

  • Penis-having partners can carry these bacteria without symptoms, but they may cause discomfort, infections, and chronic issues in people with vaginas.

  • Symptoms can mimic yeast or BV infections, such as itching, discharge, or irritation.

  • In some cases, untreated infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fertility challenges, or recurrent vaginal infections.

  • Standard STI panels do not include testing for UP or mycoplasma unless specifically requested.

Considerations

  • Many people carry these bacteria naturally without symptoms. Testing positive doesn’t always mean treatment is necessary—your provider can help assess based on symptoms and context.

  • These infections are often overlooked in general sexual health conversations, but they can have real physical and emotional consequences.

  • We do not currently require UP or mycoplasma testing at Top Floor, but we encourage anyone with recurring symptoms or concerns to ask their provider about it.

  • Our goal is to increase awareness, reduce shame, and empower our community to make informed health decisions for themselves and their partners.

Testing Details

  • Testing must be specifically requested and is typically done via urine or vaginal swab.

  • Results may take 7–10 days, depending on the lab.