Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common but often overlooked because many do not cause symptoms. If you are sexually active, it is important to get STI testing done to take care of your sexual health.
Some of the most common STI tests available test for:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
- Trichomoniasis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Who should undergo STI testing?
You should get tested if you are at risk of getting an STI. Factors that may make you more susceptible to STI include:
- New sexual partners
- Multiple sexual partners
- Changes in the body
- Sex with someone who has an STI
- Unprotected sex
- Sexual contact with sex workers
High-risk groups who should undergo STI testing include:
What are the screening recommendations for STIs?
| Gender | Population | Routine screening recommendation | Screening frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Age <25 years | Genital chlamydia | Annually |
| Genital gonorrhea | Annually | ||
| HIV | At least once | ||
| HIV | At least once | ||
| Pregnant | Genital chlamydia |
First trimester (if <25 years or at increased risk) |
|
| Genital gonorrhea |
First trimester (if <25 years or at increased risk) |
||
| Syphilis | First trimester | ||
| HIV | First trimester | ||
| HBV | First trimester | ||
| With HIV infection | Genital chlamydia, genital gonorrhea, genital trichomoniasis, and syphilis | Annually | |
| HBV and HCV | First visit | ||
| Women who have sex with women (WSW) and women who have sex with men and women (WSWM) | WSW and WSWM should not be assumed to be at lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) based on their sexual orientation. Screening for cervical cancer and STIs should be conducted according to guidelines for women. | ||
| Men | Men who have sex with women (MSW) without HIV infection | HIV | At least once |
| Men who have sex with men (MSM) without HIV infection | Genital and rectal chlamydia, genital and rectal gonorrhea, pharyngeal gonorrhea, syphilis | At least annually | |
| Men who have sex with men (MSM) without HIV infection | HIV and HBV | First visit | |
| HCV | At least once | ||
| MSW with HIV infection | Genital chlamydia, genital gonorrhea, and syphilis | Annually | |
| HBV and HCV | First visit | ||
| MSM with HIV infection | Genital and rectal chlamydia, genital and rectal gonorrhea, pharyngeal gonorrhea, syphilis | At least annually | |
| Hepatitis A virus and HBV | First visit | ||
| HCV | At least annually |
Transgender and gender-diverse individuals: Screening for STIs should be based on an individual's anatomy and sexual practices. Recommendations for genital gonorrhea, chlamydia, and cervical cancer screening in cisgender women should be extended to all transgender men and gender-diverse individuals with a cervix. Screening for other STIs should be based on risk factors and exposures.
QUESTION
Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). See AnswerHow do STI tests work?
| STI tests | Sample collected |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Swab of genital area or urine sample |
| Human immunodeficiency virus | Blood test or swab from inside of the mouth |
| Genital herpes | Blood test or swab of the affected area |
| Syphilis | Blood test or sample taken from a sore |
| Trichomoniasis | Swab of the infected area, physical exam, or sample of discharge |
| Human papillomavirus | Visual diagnosis or regular screening with Pap and/or hepatitis C virus tests |
If the result is positive, your partner may need to be notified and tested as well.
Medically Reviewed on 12/9/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-sexually-transmitted-infections#H1
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/get-tested/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-sexually-transmitted-infections#H1
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/get-tested/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
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