Who Should Have an STD Test and How Often?

Wondering if you could possibly have an STD? Think you’re safe because you don’t have any symptoms? Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms and can be passed to others easily with neither party being the wiser. While thinking about this fact can be uncomfortable, it’s best for everyone’s health to destigmatize STD screening. 

At Healthstone Primary, with locations in Weston, Pembroke Pines, and Davie, Florida, our team of professional providers delivers discreet, compassionate, and confidential care so you can easily find out if you have an STD and seek treatment. Your sexual health is important, and so is that of anyone you choose to share your body with. 

Sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as sexually transmitted infections or by older generations as “veneral disease,” can be passed from one person to another via bodily fluids, including those exchanged during oral, anal, or vaginal sex between partners.

It’s estimated that around one million STDs are transmitted daily worldwide, with 20 million cases being reported in the US alone every year. There are many different types of STDs, arising from different bacterial strains, viruses, or fungi.

The most commonly seen infections include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Who needs to get tested for STDs

Anyone having sex is at risk of getting an STD. Only complete abstinence can keep you from being at risk for STDs from sexual transmission (be aware, you can also get some STDs from other types of exposure to another person’s bodily fluids). The best way to protect yourself from STDs if you’re sexually active is by using protection, getting tested, and making sure any partners get tested too.

How often STD testing needs to be done

How often you and your partner(s) need to get tested for STDs will depend on the following factors:

• Your age
• How many sex partners you’ve had in the past
• The type of sex you usually have
• What type of protection you use, and how you use it
• Your overall medical and sexual health history
• Your work history (if you’re exposed to risk at work)

The following is a general testing recommendation. Your doctor will recommend specific testing based on your concerns. 

• All teens and adults aged 13 to 64 should have at least one lifetime HIV screening
• Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares needles should have HIV testing every 3-6 months
• Women who are pregnant should have early pregnancy screening for syphilis, Hepatitis B, and HIV
• Anyone who regularly has sex with multiple partners, or who has sex with a partner who has a known STD, should be tested every 3-6 months for a broad range of STDs

If you’re ready to get an STD screening, or if you’re concerned about STDs, we can help. Call our office to schedule an appointment or book online now.