Why get tested?

It’s important to be screened because it is very possible to have a sexually transmitted infection and not show any symptoms. Finding out by getting tested is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your partner(s), since some infections can have long-term impacts like infertility.

Since there’s no easy way to tell if you have an STD without a test, get yourself tested – for your health and your peace of mind.

How frequently should you test?

If you are sexually active and under 25 years old, annual screening is recommended. STDs take a particularly heavy toll on young people. The CDC estimates that youth (ages < 25 ) account for half of the new sexually transmitted infections but make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population.

No matter what age you are, you are recommended to test at least annually if you are at increased risk: you have a new sex partner, more than one sex partner, a sex partner with concurrent partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection. Other factors which increase risk of STD infection include substance abuse / injected drug use, having multiple partners, and seeking sex partners through the internet.

Men who have sex with men are recommended to screen at least annually regardless of condom use, and more frequently – every 3 to 6 months - if at increased risk or have multiple partners.

In general, it’s also prudent to retest yourself approximately 3 months after treatment for an STI. This is to ensure you are clear of the initial infection, and also because any STI puts you at greater risk of other infections.

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/screening-recommendations.htm