Which STDs should I be screened for?

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Getting STD tested can be confusing. There are so many tests out there so it's hard to determine which tests you need and how often you should get tested. Here are some basic guidelines to help simplify the process:

If you're sexually active: The CDC recommends annual HIV screenings for all sexually active adults and pregnant women. Health official also recommend being screened for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. These two STDs can be tested using urine.

If you are under 24: Young people ages 15-24 represent 25% of the sexually active population, but they also account for almost 50% of new STD cases each year. Young people should be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. However, depending on your behavior, testing might be as frequent as every couple month or as rare as once every 2 years if you are in a monogamous relationships.
It is important for women to be tested for chlamydia at least annually. It usually has no symptoms and can cause serious reproductive damage, including infertility.

If you're a man who only has sex with women: Until recently Chlamydia and gonorrhea were tested using painful swabbing. Now these two STDs are conveniently tested with urine. In addition to these two, doctors recommend getting tested for HIV. Depending on one's sexual behavior, risk level, and the infection rate in the community, men may also want to be tested for syphilis as well.

If you are a man who has sex with men: For those who fall into this group, it is important to get screen for HIV and syphilis annually. HIV and syphilis have high rates among men who have sex with other men. It is also recommended to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The frequency of testing varies depending on one's risk level and how many partners you have.

If you are a woman (of any sexual preference): Every year, women should be screened for HIV and get a Pap smear to screen for any abnormalities in cells of the cervix potentially caused by HPV. Women under 26 should also receive the HPV vaccine.

Women should also be screened for chlamydia annually. Chlamydia and gonorrhea do not require a full pelvic exam and can be screen simultaneously with a urine sample.

For more information, check out this website: STD Testing: Which Tests You Should Get and Why

Here's a helpful link to determine what you should get screened for: STD Tests | Personalized STD Testing Recommendation | GetSTDtested