When Should You Get Tested for STDs?

Looking after your sexual health is important, and anyone sexually active should be getting tested regularly (at least yearly, or whenever you have a new partner) for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs). It’s also important to be sure any partners get regularly tested, too. 

STDs carry a lot of unnecessary stigma, which can be a massive barrier to testing and prevention. And if you're in a relationship, broaching the topic with your partner can feel too awkward to handle. You might think you don't need to get tested if you're in a long-term relationship, but all partners involved should get tested. 

Keep reading to learn when and how often you should get an STD test based on your relationship status, and how to talk to your partner about testing for STDs. 

Note: In this article, we use the terms STD and STI interchangeably — both terms mean the same thing. STD stands for "sexually transmitted disease," and STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." While some healthcare professionals prefer to use STI because it carries less stigma, others might be more familiar with the term STD. Regardless of the word used, both refer to infections transmitted through sexual contact.

How often should you get tested for STDs?

How often you should get tested for STDs depends on your personal risk factors and relationship dynamics, but regular testing is a key part of protecting both your health and your partner’s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active individuals get tested at least once a year for common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis. However, if you’re not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship — or if you have new or multiple partners — you may need to get tested more frequently, every three to six months.

Your risk factors can also influence testing frequency. For example, if you’ve had an STD before, have unprotected sex, engage in anal sex, or have a partner with a known STD, you could benefit from more frequent testing. Women under 25 are also at an increased risk for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, and are encouraged to screen annually or more often, depending on their sexual activity. 

If you're ever unsure, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider who can recommend a testing schedule based on your individual risk profile. Regular testing isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s an important part of caring for your community, too.

Should I get tested after every partner?

Ideally, yes. Having multiple partners is considered one of the risk factors for STIs, so the general rule of thumb is for all sexually active people to get tested after every new sexual partner, especially if you've had unprotected sex (without condoms or dental dams) — whether you’re single and ready to mingle or if you’re in an open relationship. Failing that, getting tested every 3-6 months is good practice.

When should you repeat STD testing?

It’s important to repeat STD tests based on your level of risk, recent exposures, symptoms, or after receiving treatment for an infection. If you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner or suspect you’ve been exposed to an STD, it is recommended that you get tested. Follow-up testing a few weeks later is advised, as some infections, such as HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, may not be detectable immediately due to their incubation periods.

If you test positive and receive treatment for an infection (for example, chlamydia or gonorrhea), it’s generally recommended to undergo follow-up testing about three months later. This ensures that the infection has cleared and checks for any reinfection. Individuals with ongoing risk factors, such as having multiple or anonymous partners, should consider getting tested every three to six months.

If you experience symptoms, start a new relationship, or simply want peace of mind, it’s always acceptable to test sooner rather than later.

Types of STDs you should get tested for

According to the CDC’s guidelines, the types of STDs you should get tested for depend on your age, sex, sexual history, and other risk factors. Some screenings are broadly recommended for many sexually active people. Here are the main STDs you should consider testing for based on current public health recommendations:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Sexually active women younger than 25, as well as older women with new or multiple sex partners, should get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea yearly. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are also advised to get tested at least annually, and more frequently (every three to six months) if they have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex.
• HIV: Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Those at higher risk — such as people with multiple sexual partners, those who have unprotected sex, or people who inject drugs — should get tested more often, such as once a year or more.
• Syphilis: Routine screening is recommended for men who have sex with men, people with HIV, and pregnant women. Screening should occur at least annually for those at higher risk.
• Hepatitis B and C: Hepatitis B testing is recommended for people born in areas with high rates of hepatitis B, people who inject drugs, and people with HIV. Hepatitis C screening is recommended for all adults at least once in their lifetime and more frequently for those at higher risk, including people who inject drugs.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): While there’s no routine HPV test recommended for everyone, cervical cancer screening via a Pap test or HPV test is advised every three to five years for women aged 21–65, depending on age and test type. HPV is the most common STI, and vaccination is also an important preventative measure. You should get tested if you develop any genital warts, which are caused by HPV.
• Trichomoniasis: Testing is generally recommended for women with symptoms or those at higher risk, such as those with multiple sexual partners. Men are not routinely tested unless symptoms appear.

How to know if you have an STD without getting tested

Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI because, most of the time, they have no symptoms. It's also common for STI symptoms to be so mild that they don't cause any discomfort, so if you’ve had any kind of sexual contact  — like vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex — with a new partner, you should consider getting tested.

If you do notice symptoms after having unprotected sex, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or healthcare provider and ask them about testing. Different STIs have different symptoms, so it’s pretty much impossible to know not only whether you have an STI based on symptoms alone but also what STI is causing them in the first place. Signs of STIs often include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• A burning sensation when you pee or the need to pee more frequently
• Itching, pain, or irritation in your vagina, vulva, or anus
• Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pelvic pain
• Flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, body aches, and swollen glands.

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms aren't always a sign of sexually transmitted infections. Other conditions like yeast infections, UTIs, or BV can also cause similar symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to be sure of what's going on. 

If you think you have an STI, getting tested as soon as possible is crucial. Some STIs can lead to long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and a higher risk of cervical cancer if left untreated. Getting tested ASAP is also essential to avoid passing the infection to others.

Should you get STD tested in a monogamous relationship? 

Yes! The CDC recommends that if you're in a long-term relationship, you should get tested for STIs at least once a year.

Although it can limit your risk, being in an exclusive relationship doesn't exclude you from contracting an STI — and don't worry, it doesn't necessarily mean that your partner cheated on you. 

You or your partner may have had a previously undiagnosed and untreated STI before starting the relationship. Some STIs can lie dormant and only start showing symptoms months (or years) later. 

How do I talk with my partner about STD testing?

Talking about STI testing can seem unsexy, unnecessary, and, at times, even accusatory. But it's a way to look after each other's health, sex life, and relationship.

It’s a thorny topic of conversation, but it’s not worth risking your health to avoid some awkwardness. Remind your partner that getting tested isn't a sign of mistrust but rather a sign that you're looking after your well-being. You can have an STI for years without knowing it, and getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you've contracted one. 

Talking about sexual health with your partner can feel a little awkward at first, but in the long run, it can help strengthen your bond. Studies show that people who feel comfortable discussing their STI status with their partner tend to have a more positive outlook on their sexual self-esteem, which can have a significant impact on relationship satisfaction. So, why not consider it an opportunity to be open and honest with your partner and practice effective communication?

Have the talk in private, and when you're not being intimate. Just let your partner know you're protecting your health proactively. If you're not sure how to bring it up, here are some conversation openers you can try:

• I realized that we’ve been going out for a while, but we’ve never spoken about STIs; maybe we should talk about it.
• Since we’ve been having unprotected sex, maybe we should get tested. I'm sure neither of us has an STI, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
• I'm due for my annual STI screening. Do you want to come with me so we can both get tested?
• I read that most STIs are asymptomatic, which is wild! Let's get tested, just in case. 

Check out the CDC’s website for more tips on discussing STIs with your partner. Looking out for each other's sexual well-being is a shared responsibility and a crucial part of any healthy relationship. If your partner shuts down the conversation or doesn't want to get tested, consider whether this relationship is right for you. No one enjoys getting screened for STIs, but a good partner will be happy to safeguard your health and safety. 

My boyfriend gave me an STD. What should I do?

If your boyfriend gave you an STI, the first step is not to panic. Remember that most STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics or, at the very least, manageable. It can be a bummer, but the fact of the matter is that STIs are pretty much inevitable if you're sexually active, and they're incredibly common. 

Try not to jump to conclusions, either. If your boyfriend gave you an STI, it doesn't automatically mean he cheated on you. It could mean that you or your partner didn't get tested before the relationship, and symptoms are now starting to appear.

STIs can take a while to show up on a test, and most people don't have any symptoms. Many common STIs have latency periods — syphilis and genital herpes, for example, can go unnoticed for several years — and it's difficult to tell when and how someone got it. 

With that being said, if your boyfriend lied to you about his STI status, dismissed your concerns, or cheated on you, that's a different story! It's up to you to decide whether him giving you an STI is a dealbreaker under these circumstances. 

Where can I get tested for STDs?

You can get tested for STIs at your doctor’s office or local community health clinic. You can also order an at-home STI test, like the Evvy test. 

Each Evvy Vaginal Health Test kits include a swab (which looks like a long Q-tip), a collection tube, a biosafety bag, a pre-paid return box, and a set of detailed instructions. The test is just like an in-clinic one and screens for the most common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. Once you send your test back to the lab, you should receive your results within 1-3 days. 

FAQs

Should you get tested after each new partner?

Ideally, yes. If you’re sexually active and have sex with new or multiple sex partners, you should do STD tests after every new sexual encounter, especially if you have unprotected sex.

How often should you get tested in a relationship?

While being in a committed relationship can reduce your risk, it doesn't completely eliminate the possibility of contracting an STD. This doesn't necessarily indicate infidelity; you or your partner may have had an undiagnosed and untreated STD before the relationship began. Some STIs can remain dormant and only present symptoms months or even years later. The CDC advises that individuals in long-term relationships should undergo STI testing at least once a year.

How often should you get STD tested if you have multiple partners? 

It's a good idea to get tested for STDs every three to six months if you have multiple sexual partners. Regular testing is important because it helps catch infections early, makes sure you get the treatment you need, and reduces the risk of passing STDs to others. It's also a good practice to get tested before starting a new sexual relationship and to talk about testing with your partners to take care of everyone's sexual health.

Can one partner test positive for STD and the other negative?

Yes, it’s possible for one partner to test positive for an STI and the other to test negative. For example, it could be that one partner had an undiagnosed or untreated STI from a past sexual encounter. Everyone’s body (and immune system) is different, so just because one partner tests negative doesn’t mean the other doesn’t need to get tested.