Getting Tested for an STI is incredibly important

Neglecting your health is never a good idea, but overlooking your sexual health can impact more than just you. Failing to get regular STI screenings puts both you and your sexual partners at risk for infections. Some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. You can easily access these tests through your primary care physician. If you’re uncomfortable with that, many clinics offer testing as well. These clinics are often low-cost or even free, and they guarantee 100% confidentiality.

So, what does the CDC recommend when it comes to STI testing?

What Age Should I be tested for an STI?

The CDC recommends that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get regular STI screenings. As sexual activity among adolescents continues to increase, and as older adults—especially those in retirement communities—now face the highest risk of STIs, testing becomes even more important across all age groups.

For sexually active women, the CDC specifically advises annual screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea, particularly for those 25 and younger. Women with new or multiple partners should also prioritize these tests to help detect infections early.

Who should be tested?

Both men and women, especially pregnant women, should get screened for syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B. I personally recommend that everyone schedule an annual screening with a full panel—it really can’t hurt. Additionally, make sure you’re up to date on the hepatitis B vaccine; it’s essential for your health.

For pregnant women or those trying to conceive, testing for STIs is particularly important. STIs can complicate conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, so regular screening is crucial.

The CDC also advises regular screenings every 3 to 6 months for gay or bisexual men, as well as for individuals who have had unprotected sex or use intravenous drugs.

To make finding a testing center easier, the CDC offers an online tool where you can enter your zip code and locate nearby facilities. Alternatively, a quick Google search for local clinics can also help you find testing options.

Being tested regularly helps stop the spread of these diseases.

Many people overlook the fact that STIs don’t just affect sexual health—they can also impact your overall well-being. Some STIs can cause lifelong, incurable damage to your health. It’s also important to remember that you can have multiple STIs at the same time, and they won’t simply go away on their own. In most cases, they require one or more rounds of antibiotics to be treated effectively.

STIs don’t always show up in your sexual organs. They can also present with flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, muscle or joint aches, swollen glands, and even a fever. In some cases, an STI may not show any symptoms at all. This allows it to go unnoticed until it reaches an incurable stage. On top of that, untreated STIs significantly increase the risk of unknowingly spreading them to others.

For those who are assigned female at birth, it’s especially important to note that not all doctors include STI testing as part of a routine exam. Some healthcare providers, like mine, may offer it during certain checkups, but not all do. I recommend asking your doctor directly if STI testing is part of your annual visit and, if it’s not, requesting that they add it to your routine care.

PSSST, alongside testing for STIs, don’t forget to do your yearly OBGYN visit!