Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that while cases of many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have decreased in the United States, the numbers are still alarmingly high. With nearly 2.5 million reported cases each year, regular testing is key to protecting yourself from infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
At Eze Health Center in Waldorf, Maryland, we prioritize your health. That’s why Chinyere Eze and our care team encourage all patients who are sexually active to get tested for STDs. You might be wondering how often you should schedule a screening. Here, we walk you through the recommendations for who should get tested and how frequently you should schedule them.
If you’re sexually active, get tested regularly. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you could still have an STD and pass the infection to other partners.
It’s always a good idea to get tested if you're 18 or older and sexually active, even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. For those under 18, we may recommend testing based on your sexual activity.
Most people benefit from annual testing. If you're under 25 and sexually active, the CDC specifically recommends annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are most common in younger people.
If you've had a new sexual partner, or if you didn’t use protection during sex, get tested. This helps catch infections early and prevents spreading them to others.
Testing regularly helps protect your health and gives you peace of mind. It’s one of the best ways to stay on top of your sexual health, especially if you have multiple partners or if you're unsure about your partner’s health status.
Yes, depending on your sexual activity, risk factors, and lifestyle. Here are a few situations where you might need to get tested more frequently:
Having multiple partners or starting a new relationship increases your risk. Consider testing every 3-6 months to stay on top of your health.
Not using protection — and barrier methods such as male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that prevent STD transmission — raises your chances of contracting an STD. If you have unprotected sex, more frequent testing can help keep you safe.
People who inject drugs or men who have sex with men are at a higher risk for certain STDs. If that’s the case for you, screening more frequently is important.
Expectant mothers should get tested early in their pregnancy and may need follow-up tests to protect both their health and their baby’s.
It’s important to listen to your body and to talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll help you figure out the best testing schedule based on your personal needs. Regular testing is the best way to protect both yourself and your partners.
Make STD screenings part of your annual checkup to protect yourself and your partners from potential infections that could lead to serious health issues. Contact the team at Eze Health Center by calling our office at 240-219-6889.
