Who Should be Screened for STIs and How Often?

If you’re sexually active, you need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly, because prioritizing sexual health care is an integral part of staying healthy. 

At The R.O.C. Center, located in Houston and New Orleans, our team proudly offers comprehensive health care services, which include STI testing and treatment. Since many STIs don’t present with any symptoms but still pose a serious risk to your health, it’s vital that you get screened. 

In this post, we highlight some helpful information surrounding STI testing, including who needs screening tests and how often you should undergo testing. 

Do you need STI screenings?

If you fall into one or more of the following categories, we highly recommend undergoing STI testing:

You’re a teenager or young adult

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses in 2023 were among teenagers and young adults ages 15 to 24. 

Due to this staggering statistic, it’s crucial that you opt for routine screenings if you fall in this age bracket. 

You have multiple sexual partners

If you’re sexually active with more than one partner, it’s vital that you get regular STI screenings. Even if you always use condoms, barriers aren’t guaranteed to protect you against infections every time you have sex.

You’re entering a new relationship

Before you and your romantic partner have sex for the first time, especially if it’s unprotected, it’s vital that you both get screened for STIs first.

You’re a man having sex with men

If you’re a man having sex with men, you’re at an increased risk for infections, such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea, so the CDC recommends getting screened every 3-6 months. 

You’re pregnant

STI testing during pregnancy is crucial since untreated STIs can pose serious health risks to you and your unborn baby during pregnancy and delivery. 

You have symptoms of an STI

It’s important not to rely solely on symptoms to signal that you may have an STI since so many don’t present with symptoms at all. But if you do develop symptoms, such as unusual discharge, sores, pelvic pain, or a burning sensation during urination, get tested immediately. 

You have a history of STIs

If you’ve had an STI before, it increases your risk for repeat infections. Ensure you schedule follow-up testing and be diligent about undergoing future routine screenings.

How often should you get tested?

Not everyone needs to undergo STI screenings in the same intervals. Factors that impact required frequency levels include how sexually active you are, if you’ve potentially been exposed to infection, and what your personal risk factors are. 

With that in mind, here are some general guidelines for STI testing frequency:

Regular screening

If you’re highly active and/or have multiple sexual partners, it’s important that you get screened regularly for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. 

Before starting a new relationship

Before you have unprotected sex with a new partner, you both need STI testing to protect sexual health, provide peace of mind, and establish a foundation of trust. 

After having unprotected sex

Undergoing STI screening after having unprotected sex is incredibly important. You need to be screened for gonorrhea or chlamydia within 1-2 weeks and then screened for HIV or syphilis within 1-3 months, since these infections may take time to show up on tests.

Schedule your STI screening

Regular STI screening is a responsible way to protect your sexual health and your partner’s. If infections are left untreated, you can face long-term health issues. Early detection and prompt treatment can make all the difference. 

Don’t put off your next STI screening. Schedule yours by calling your nearest office location or using our online booking feature today.