If you are sexually active, it is important to get STI testing done to take care of your sexual health and check for sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common but often overlooked because many do not cause symptoms. If you are sexually active, it is important to get STI testing done to take care of your sexual health.
Some of the most common STI tests available test for:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
- Trichomoniasis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Who should undergo STI testing?
You should get tested if you are at risk of getting an STI. Factors that may make you more susceptible to STI include:
- New sexual partners
- Multiple sexual partners
- Changes in the body
- Sex with someone who has an STI
- Unprotected sex
- Sexual contact with sex workers
High-risk groups who should undergo STI testing include:
- Men who have sex with men
- Young adults (ages 15-24)
- HIV-positive individuals
- People with a history of previous STI
- Pregnant women
- People who engage in Illicit drug use
- People who have been admitted to a juvenile detention center
What are the screening recommendations for STIs?
Women
Age <25 years
Genital chlamydia
Annually
Genital gonorrhea
Annually
HIV
At least once
HIV
At least once
Pregnant
Genital chlamydia
First trimester (if <25 years or at increased risk)
Genital gonorrhea
First trimester (if <25 years or at increased risk)
Syphilis
First trimester
HIV
First trimester
HBV
First trimester
With HIV infection
Genital chlamydia, genital gonorrhea, genital trichomoniasis, and syphilis
Annually
HBV and HCV
First visit
Women who have sex with women (WSW) and women who have sex with men and women (WSWM)
WSW and WSWM should not be assumed to be at lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) based on their sexual orientation. Screening for cervical cancer and STIs should be conducted according to guidelines for women.
Men
Men who have sex with women (MSW) without HIV infection
HIV
At least once
Men who have sex with men (MSM) without HIV infection
Genital and rectal chlamydia, genital and rectal gonorrhea, pharyngeal gonorrhea, syphilis
At least annually
Men who have sex with men (MSM) without HIV infection
HIV and HBV
First visit
HCV
At least once
MSW with HIV infection
Genital chlamydia, genital gonorrhea, and syphilis
Annually
HBV and HCV
First visit
MSM with HIV infection
Genital and rectal chlamydia, genital and rectal gonorrhea, pharyngeal gonorrhea, syphilis
At least annually
Hepatitis A virus and HBV
First visit
HCV
At least annually
Transgender and gender-diverse individuals: Screening for STIs should be based on an individual's anatomy and sexual practices. Recommendations for genital gonorrhea, chlamydia, and cervical cancer screening in cisgender women should be extended to all transgender men and gender-diverse individuals with a cervix. Screening for other STIs should be based on risk factors and exposures.
QUESTION
Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
See Answer
How do STI tests work?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
Swab of genital area or urine sample
Human immunodeficiency virus
Blood test or swab from inside of the mouth
Genital herpes
Blood test or swab of the affected area
Syphilis
Blood test or sample taken from a sore
Trichomoniasis
Swab of the infected area, physical exam, or sample of discharge
Human papillomavirus
Visual diagnosis or regular screening with Pap and/or hepatitis C virus tests
If the result is positive, your partner may need to be notified and tested as well.
