STD testing isn’t something you do only if something seems off, although you can (and should!) get tested if you spot concerning symptoms. In many cases, though, STDs are present without symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your status.
If you’re sexually active, regular screening is an essential part of taking care of your and your partner’s health, but how often should you get tested? The answer depends on your age, lifestyle, risk factors, and overall health.
Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Below, our team of primary care providers at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care shares the current recommendations for who should be tested for STDs and when.
Many STDs can be present without causing noticeable symptoms. That includes common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV.
Left untreated, some STDs can lead to fertility issues, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of other infections. Testing and treatment, if needed, can help you avoid these complications. It can also help prevent spreading STDs to your partner, and, if you’re pregnant, your baby.
Everyone can benefit from testing at some point. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people ages 13-64 get tested for HIV at least once.
That said, certain groups benefit from more routine screening. Consider testing if you:
We offer STD testing and treatment for men and women.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; the right testing schedule for you depends on your level of risk. For example, if you engage in higher-risk activities such as having anonymous partners, you may need more frequent testing.
Guidelines include getting tested:
Your Select Family Practice and Urgent Care provider can help create a testing schedule tailored to your situation.
You may also need to be retested after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared. The CDC recommends retesting three months after treatment.
STD testing here at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care is quick, simple, and confidential. Depending on what we’re testing for, it may involve:
Many results come back quickly, and most infections, if detected, are treatable. We can start you on the right medication once we determine what infection you have.
You don’t have to wait for your next routine screening or wellness exam to get testing. Get tested sooner if you notice unusual symptoms or learn that a partner has an STD.
Even if your results are negative, you can still get answers. Some conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, can cause similar symptoms. We can diagnose and treat the underlying issue so you start feeling better quickly.
Questions? Call our Raleigh, North Carolina, office at 919-676-0202, or request an appointment online today.
