Overview
Regular Testing Protects You and Others
Regular STD testing and treatment help reduce the spread of STDs. Talk openly with your doctor about your sexual history and ask whether you should be tested — they can give you the best care when they know the full picture.
Below is a brief overview of the testing recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recommendations
Who Should Be Tested
- All adults and adolescents aged 13–64: an HIV test at least once.
- Sexually active women under 25, and older women with risk factors such as new or multiple partners or a partner with an STI: chlamydia and gonorrhea screening every year.
- All pregnant women: syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and hepatitis B screening early in pregnancy, gonorrhea screening for those at risk, and repeat testing as needed.
- Sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea screening at least once a year — every 3 to 6 months with multiple or anonymous partners.
- Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares injection drug equipment: an HIV test at least once a year.
STDs and Infertility
Silent Infections Can Cause Lasting Damage
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Untreated, about 10–15% of women with chlamydia develop PID, and infection can damage the fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding tissue without causing any symptoms.
Most women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea have no symptoms, which is why regular screening matters.
Source: CDC, cdc.gov/sti.