How often should I take an STD test?

The recommendations for STD testing frequency vary for each STD, and are also influenced by sexual activity, medical history, presence of symptoms, and other risk factors. 

Higher risk populations generally include men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers and other individuals with multiple sexual partners, and injectable drug users. Individuals who are HIV-positive also require more frequent testing for other STDs.   

CDC recommendations for STD testing include:

• Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in females 25 years and younger
• Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea during each pregnancy
• Routine screening for chlamydia in men who have sex with men and high-prevalence settings
• Annual screening for gonorrhea in males 25 years and younger
• Screening for trichomoniasis in females with abnormal vaginal discharge
• HIV testing at least once for everyone 13 - 64 years, with annual screening in higher risk populations and screening during each pregnancy
• Anybody potentially exposed to HIV should be tested immediately and again at six weeks, three months, and six months post-exposure
• Hepatitis B testing in individuals born in countries with high prevalence, as well as during pregnancy and in high-risk populations
• Hepatitis C testing at least once and during each pregnancy (except in populations where the prevalence of HCV is less than 0.1%), as well as routine testing in high-risk populations
• Syphilis testing in anyone showing suggestive signs of syphilis, as well as during pregnancy and in high-risk populations

Additional screening recommendations and information are available from the CDC website. We also recommend speaking with your healthcare provider for additional guidance, especially if you are experiencing any symptoms of an STD.