Who Should Get Tested for STDs, and How Often?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are widespread. In fact, the number of reported STDs increases each year. To compound matters, some STDs are asymptomatic, so you might not know you have one. With this in mind, STD testing is even more important, even if you don’t have symptoms.

But how do you know when to get tested? The answer varies from person to person. Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, offers on-site STD testing at Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, so you can get tested when you need it.

In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of who should get tested and how often.

Who should get tested for STDs?

Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status, anyone engaging in sexual activity (or considering becoming sexually active)  is encouraged to undergo regular STD testing. 

In addition to sexually active individuals, people with specific risk factors, such as having multiple sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sex, or having a partner with a known STD, should prioritize more frequent and comprehensive STD testing.

How often do you need testing? 

It depends on many factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following:

Pregnant women

Pregnant women should prioritize comprehensive STD testing as part of their early prenatal care, including screenings for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is also recommended early in pregnancy.

People aged 13-64

All adults and adolescents aged 13-64 are advised to undergo HIV testing at least once. For sexually active individuals under 25, annual testing is recommended. 

People with multiple partners

If you have multiple sexual partners, you may benefit from regular testing. The CDC recommends annual testing for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, but some individuals may benefit from more frequent testing. 

People who recently were treated for an STD

Even if you recently were treated for an STD, you’ll likely need a follow-up test to ensure your infection cleared. This cadence can vary but expect to get tested again about 3-4 months post-treatment.

People experiencing symptoms of an STD

Regardless of when your last STD test was, if you have current symptoms, you’ll need to get tested as soon as possible. Common STD symptoms include discharge (for men and women), genital itching, oozing sores, pain, burning, or fever.

Additionally, if you learned that your partner tested positive, you’ll need to get tested even if you don’t have symptoms. 

People with a new sexual partner

If you’re starting a new relationship, get tested. Consider getting tested together as part of establishing a foundation of trust and responsibility.

Openly discuss sexual health histories, previous testing, and any potential risk factors with your new partner.

The bottom line: regular resting is essential for everyone. But how often you need it depends on your relationship status, number of partners, and symptoms. 

What happens during STD testing?

Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center offers on-site testing. Depending on the specific STDs being screened for, your testing may involve blood, urine, or swab samples from genital, oral, or rectal areas. These samples are analyzed to detect the presence of infections such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other STDs. 

What happens after you get your test results?

Depending on your test results, Dr. Bamba recommends the proper treatment. For example, you may need antibiotic treatment for bacterial STDs like syphilis, and trichomoniasis, gonorrhea.

You’ll also need to abstain from sexual intercourse while you’re on antibiotics. Be sure to complete the full dose, even if you feel better before it’s finished.

Not sure if you need to get tested?

We know there are many factors to consider when it comes to knowing what STD tests you need and when. The good news is that you don’t have to sort through all of this on your own. If you’re unsure if (or when) you need to get tested, we can help. 

Give us a call at 443-493-7760 or click here to schedule STD testing here in Glen Burnie, Maryland.