How Often Should You Get STD Tested?

Many people are unsure of how often they should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is fairly circumstantial. That being said, there are some general guidelines on how often anyone should get STD tested.

Get STD Tested After New Sex Partners

Any time that you have a new sex partner, it is ideal to get tested for STDs. You will want to make sure that you have not contracted an STD from the most recent person that you have had sex with. For some people, this may mean getting tested once every few months to getting tested once a year. It ultimately depends on how sexually active you are. Those who have had sex with only one new person may be able to wait until a yearly visit to the gynecologist, whereas others may need to get STD tested sooner if they have had multiple sex partners.

Have an STD Test at a Yearly Gynecology Exam

Every woman who is sexually active should be tested for STDs at her yearly gynecology exam. By giving a Pap test, the gynecologist is checking for abnormalities which may indicate Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Many gynecologists also automatically give their patients tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is ideal to talk to your doctor about which STDs you are being tested for. If you have not had any new sex partners, she may not suggest you to be tested for herpes or syphilis. That being said, if you suspect infidelity, it can be a good idea to get tested for these sexually transmitted diseases anyway. Few gynecologists test for HIV/AIDs at a yearly gynecological exam unless you request the test.

Be Sure to Get STD Tested if Symptoms Occur

Anyone who experiences symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases should be sure to get tested. If you experience symptoms such as itching, vaginal or penile discharge, foul odors, or any bumps or lesions in the genital area, the best thing that you can do is visit the doctor to get tested for STDs. If it seems as though something could be wrong, there is a chance that there may be. Early diagnosis is an essential key to successful treatment and prevention of other problems caused by STDs, such as infertility which may be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea and cervical cancer which may be caused by HPV.

Remember that it is just as important for men to get STD tested as it is for women to. Before getting into a relationship which will involve sexual intercourse, it may even be a good idea to get tested together to make sure that you are both free of infections and diseases. How often you should get tested for STDs ultimately depends on your sexual lifestyle, however. Some people may only need to have a Pap test every year or so, whereas others should consider a full STD test every few months.

Source:

Planned Parenthood: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).