How Often Should Sexually Active People Get Tested For STDs?
Maintaining your sexual health is a vital part of overall well-being, and regular STD/STI testing is a key component. However, many people are unsure how often they should get tested. The answer depends on several factors, including your sexual activity, number of partners, and any potential risk factors. In this blog, we’ll explore how to determine the best testing schedule for you.
At STD Health Check, we offer comprehensive STD testing without the need for a provider visit. You can count on our medical team for many same-day and next-day in-house lab tests seven days a week.
The Importance of Routine STD Testing
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often have no symptoms, meaning you or your partner can be infected without knowing it. Regular testing helps you stay informed about your health, protect your partners, and access treatment early if needed. Untreated STDs can lead to complications, including infertility, chronic pain, or increased risk of HIV transmission.
General Testing Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific recommendations based on age, sexual activity, and risk factors:
- Annually for Sexually Active Adults: All sexually active individuals should consider getting tested at least once a year for common STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. This is especially important for those under 25, as younger adults face higher rates of certain infections.
- Every 3-6 Months for Higher-Risk Individuals: If you fall into a higher-risk category, more frequent testing every 3 to 6 months may be necessary. These groups include those with multiple partners, those who engage in unprotected sex, HIV-positive individuals, and pregnant individuals.
Tailoring Your Testing Frequency
In addition to general guidelines, there are various personal factors to consider when deciding how often to get tested. This includes your relationship status. If you’re in a monogamous relationship, and both partners have been tested, annual STD screening may suffice. For those in non-monogamous relationships, testing is recommended before engaging is sexual activity with a new partner and regularly thereafter. Additionally, if you experience unusual symptoms like pain, discharge, sores, or itching, it’s important to seek prompt testing. Even in the absence of symptoms, testing is essential after potential exposure to an STD.
The Convenience of Modern Testing Options
Diagnostic labs have made STD testing more accessible than ever. At STD Health Check, we offer:
- Online Test Ordering: Choose your test and pay online without a provider visit.
- Quick Sample Collection: Visit a collection center to drop off your sample at any of AFC Urgent Care Denver’s 8 locations.
- Fast Results: Receive secure results in 1-3 days, with most results available the next day.
- Telemedicine Consultations: Optional follow-up care for those needing treatment or further guidance.
This streamlined process ensures that testing fits seamlessly into your busy life. If you’re ever unsure whether you need testing, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Early detection can prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Take Charge of Your Sexual Health With STD Health Check
How often you should get tested depends on your unique circumstances, but the key is consistency. Whether you test annually, every few months, or after a new relationship– staying informed and proactive is essential. Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is simple with STD Health Check. Early detection allows for timely treatment, preventing potential complications and reducing the risk of transmission. If you suspect exposure to an STD, order a test today. We do not require in-house provider visits, which makes testing more convenient and affordable than ever. If you’d like to know more about our STD testing services, or are unsure of which tests you need, contact our team directly at (303) 756-1020.
