While the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often makes it a taboo topic, it’s important to remember that getting tested for STDs is a critical step in maintaining good sexual health. STDs are extremely common, affecting about 1 in every 5 people.
Monsur Ali, DO, and our team at Candid Primary Care in Coppell, Texas, offer STD testing — we even have an on-site lab — and treatment, but how do you know when or if you need testing? The answer varies by individual, but you can get a general sense of who needs STD testing and how often below.
Who needs STD testing?
Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for STDs. This includes people who have had vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
It’s also important to get tested if:
You have multiple sexual partners
Having more than one sexual partner increases your risk of contracting an STD. This is because each new partner can expose you to different types of STDs.
You have unprotected sex
Unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, puts you at a higher risk of getting an STD. Using condoms or other barrier methods can reduce your risk of contracting an STD, but it’s still important to get tested regularly.
You have symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of an STD, such as itching, burning, discharge, or sores, it’s important to get tested right away. Some STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
You’re pregnant
Pregnant women should be tested at least once during pregnancy, even if you have no symptoms. Because you can pass an STD to your baby during a vaginal birth, it’s important to treat any STDs as soon as possible.
You’ve been exposed to an STD
If you know you’ve been exposed to an STD, either through a sexual partner or through another means, it’s important to get tested right away. This can help you get treatment before the STD progresses and potentially causes long-term damage.
How often should you get tested?
The frequency of STD testing depends on a number of factors, including your sexual activity and the types of STDs you may be at risk for. Here are some general guidelines:
Annual testing
If you’re sexually active and have one or more sexual partners, you should consider getting tested for STDs once a year. This can help you detect any STDs early and get treatment before they cause long-term damage.
More frequent testing
If you have multiple sexual partners, have unprotected sex, or have symptoms of an STD, you may need to get tested more frequently. Dr. Ali can help determine the appropriate testing schedule for you based on your individual risk factors.
After exposure
If you know you’ve been exposed to an STD, either through a sexual partner or through another means, you should get tested right away. Some STDs, such as HIV, may not show up on a test immediately, so it’s important to get retested after a few weeks or months to ensure you’re clear.
Schedule your STD screening
Not sure if you need an STD screening? If you’re overdue for a test or you’re already experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to call us or book your appointment online today. Our compassionate and nonjudgmental team is here to help you get the screenings and any potential treatments you need.
While the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often makes it a taboo topic, it’s important to remember that getting tested for STDs is a critical step in maintaining good sexual health. STDs are extremely common, affecting about 1 in every 5 people.
Monsur Ali, DO, and our team at Candid Primary Care in Coppell, Texas, offer STD testing — we even have an on-site lab — and treatment, but how do you know when or if you need testing? The answer varies by individual, but you can get a general sense of who needs STD testing and how often below.
Who needs STD testing?
Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for STDs. This includes people who have had vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
It’s also important to get tested if:
You have multiple sexual partners
Having more than one sexual partner increases your risk of contracting an STD. This is because each new partner can expose you to different types of STDs.
You have unprotected sex
Unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, puts you at a higher risk of getting an STD. Using condoms or other barrier methods can reduce your risk of contracting an STD, but it’s still important to get tested regularly.
You have symptoms
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of an STD, such as itching, burning, discharge, or sores, it’s important to get tested right away. Some STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
You’re pregnant
Pregnant women should be tested at least once during pregnancy, even if you have no symptoms. Because you can pass an STD to your baby during a vaginal birth, it’s important to treat any STDs as soon as possible.
You’ve been exposed to an STD
If you know you’ve been exposed to an STD, either through a sexual partner or through another means, it’s important to get tested right away. This can help you get treatment before the STD progresses and potentially causes long-term damage.
How often should you get tested?
The frequency of STD testing depends on a number of factors, including your sexual activity and the types of STDs you may be at risk for. Here are some general guidelines:
Annual testing
If you’re sexually active and have one or more sexual partners, you should consider getting tested for STDs once a year. This can help you detect any STDs early and get treatment before they cause long-term damage.
More frequent testing
If you have multiple sexual partners, have unprotected sex, or have symptoms of an STD, you may need to get tested more frequently. Dr. Ali can help determine the appropriate testing schedule for you based on your individual risk factors.
After exposure
If you know you’ve been exposed to an STD, either through a sexual partner or through another means, you should get tested right away. Some STDs, such as HIV, may not show up on a test immediately, so it’s important to get retested after a few weeks or months to ensure you’re clear.
Schedule your STD screening
Not sure if you need an STD screening? If you’re overdue for a test or you’re already experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to call us or book your appointment online today. Our compassionate and nonjudgmental team is here to help you get the screenings and any potential treatments you need.