Taking control of your sexual health is one of the most important (and often overlooked) forms of self-care. Still, the question of how frequently to get tested for an STD or STI is a confusing maze of conflicting advice and guesswork. Should it be every six months? Only when you switch partners? Do you even need to worry if you feel totally fine? These are the valid questions that rarely come with definitive answers. Unfortunately, navigating this vital part of one’s wellness journey in the dark can put health at risk due to hesitation.

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear, doctor-recommended guidelines based on your age, gender and, most importantly, your sexual activity. This guide aims to help readers cut through the noise surrounding STD testing, drop the shame and learn to create a personalized schedule that puts their peace of mind first.

Step 1: Understanding STD risks

The risk of contracting an STD or STI is closely tied to various lifestyle choices and sexual behaviors. The risks are particularly elevated if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners. Several key behaviors increase the risk of infection. Firstly, unprotected sexual activity – whether involving oral, vaginal or anal sex – significantly increases your chances of contracting an STD, as protective barriers like condoms help prevent the exchange of infectious fluids and skin-to-skin contact, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

Secondly, having multiple sexual partners, especially anonymous or new ones, introduces a higher probability of encountering an infected person. It’s crucial to understand your partners’ status, as you cannot assume everyone you have a sexual affair with is clear of infection. Finally, a significant risk factor is a lack of education regarding safe sex practices. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights that a lack of awareness about how to practice safer sex, or a reluctance to have open discussions with partners about their health status, puts both parties at a higher risk of contracting an infection.

    Step 2: Adhere to STD testing guidelines

    Strictly following general testing guidelines is highly recommended by major health organizations. You should get tested if you are:

    • Sexually active: Seek at least one HIV test and once every year testing for other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, depending on risk factors.
    • A young woman: If you are 25 years or older, it’s recommended to seek at least one annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
    • Pregnant: Pregnant individuals should get tested for STDs and other STIs like hepatitis B and syphilis.

    It’s important to note that many STIs are asymptomatic. You can have an infection without knowing it. For this reason, regular testing is a useful way to confirm whether you have contracted a disease. Another important consideration is to notify your partner if you test positive with an STD. This helps them to get tested and treated.

    Step 3: Know when to test after exposure

    If you had unprotected sex or suspect exposure to an STD, do not wait longer. Get tested as soon as possible. You can test for chlamydia and gonorrhea in about one to two weeks after exposure. But for HIV and syphilis, it can wait a bit longer, with some tests needed at three months, as reported by the CDC.

    Most importantly, the exact time for testing depends on the specific infection and the type of test used. To ensure you are on the right track, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Even if you do not show any symptoms, testing is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

    Step 4: Use the correct type of STD test

    The right type of test depends on the suspected infection, with urine tests often used for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Blood tests are typically used for HIV, syphilis and herpes. Your type of sexual activity and symptoms also influence the type of test, with mouth swabs, vinal and rectal swabs used for testing infections like HPV and trichomoniasis. Depending on your situation, your healthcare provider can recommend the most suitable tests for you.

    Step 5: Follow up and retest

    Follow up matters when it comes to STDs and STIs. Retests should be when necessary or needed. If you test positive, seek medical attention immediately and inform your recent partner of the result. After treatment, follow up and retest in at least three months for some STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea to ensure you are clear.

    Tips and best practices

    As shared in the Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, ensuring best practices can keep you safe and avoid contracting infections from sex. Use protection like condoms to help prevent most STDs. Studies have shown that it is effective at preventing with an efficacy of 95% when used correctly and consistently. Condoms can help prevent most STIs by reducing the exchange of body fluids. They can protect against HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Hepatitis B.

    It’s worth noting that, even when used currently, condoms do not protect against all types of STIs. Still, condoms do provide much protection for STIs that cause extra-genital lesions like genital herpes, genital warts and syphilis. Communicate with your partners about testing and status. Also, make it a routine by incorporating STD testing into your regular healthcare, like annual checkups.

      Specific tips for high-risk groups

      People on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should get tested for STDs and HIV quarterly. PrEP is a medicine that individuals at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting the infection from sex or injection drug abuse, per the National Institute of Health. As Anne Kamwila, Healthcare Policy Analyst for the African Health Economics & Policy Association, explains, “Part of your commitment is to take your PrEP every day. Do not miss doses for optimum outcomes. The treatment is highly effective.”

      As of 2015, the World Health Organization recommended groups at high risk of HIV infection to be offered tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) based oral PrEP.

      What STDs are most common?

      When planning to engage with your partner sexually, it’s important to think about STDs. Even though you might be in a long-term sexual relationship with your partner, the possibility of contracting infections and diseases is evident.

      The most common STDs include:

      • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): This is the most common STI. It can cause genital warts or be asymptomatic. Some types of HPV, considered “high risk,” can progress to cancer, as shared by the Cleveland Clinic.
      • Chlamydia: This is a bacterial infection that, in most cases, has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if untreated.
      • Syphilis: According to the Mayo Clinic, Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. The disease can be cured with antibiotics. However, it needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.
      • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus weakens your immune system by destroying T-cells until they become ineffective at fighting even minor illnesses.
      • Genetic herpes: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

      Many STDs can be asymptomatic. You can live with the infection without noticing any symptoms. This means that, regular testing is essential, even if you feel fine.

      Should you get an STD test after every partner?

      You should get an STD test after every partner. Most STD infections are asymptomatic and can be easily spread without symptoms. Regular testing, at least once per year, is recommended for all sexually active individuals. For individuals with multiple partners, regular screening every three to six months is highly recommended. Testing is important if you notice any STD symptoms, have unprotected sex or if your past partner reports having an STI.

      Bottom line

      The most important takeaway is this: You should get tested for STDs/STIs at least once a year, even if you feel completely fine. However, this is just the baseline. Testing needs to be more frequent (such as every three to six months) if you are considered to be at a higher risk, which includes having new or multiple sexual partners, or engaging in unprotected sex.

      Waiting until you notice symptoms is risky, as many common STIs are asymptomatic, but can still cause serious long-term health issues and be passed unknowingly to partners. Don’t wait for a sign of trouble; make routine, open and frequent testing a regular, non-negotiable part of your sexual health and self-care routine to ensure peace of mind and protect your wellness.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How quickly do STDs show up?

        Some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can show up within a few days. Others, like HIV, can take weeks to even months to develop.

        How long do you have to wait between STD tests?

          Wait at least one to two weeks after a potential exposure. For high-risk individuals, testing should be done every three to six months.

          Which STDs are not curable?

            Incurable STDs are mostly viral infections. These include HIV, genital herpes, hepatitis B and HPV. While these infections cannot be treated, they can be managed with treatment and regular monitoring.

            Citations

            Mayo Clinic. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published September 8, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240

            Nguyen S, Dang A, Vu G, et al. Lack of Knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Implications for STD Prevention and Care among Dermatology Patients in an Urban City in Vietnam. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019;16(6):1080. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16061080

            CDC. STI screening recommendations. www.cdc.gov. Published 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm

            Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K. Condoms: Past, present, and future. Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS. 2015;36(2):133-139. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2589-0557.167135

            NIH. Pre-Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). hivinfo.nih.gov. Published August 10, 2021. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep

            WHO. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). www.who.int. Published 2025. https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/prevention/pre-exposure-prophylaxis

            Mayo Clinic. Syphilis – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Published September 10, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/syphilis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351756

            Cleveland Clinic. HIV & AIDS: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. Published June 6, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4251-hiv-aids

            Mayo Clinic. Genital herpes – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published November 22, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161

            Cleveland Clinic. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) | Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. Published August 4, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus