How to Get Tested for STIs: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get Tested for STIs: Everything You Need to Know
A Step-By-Step Guide for Navigating the Process with Confidence and Care
While many sex educators and healthcare professionals stress the importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), few talk about what the process actually looks like — or how to approach it with confidence.
I’m here to help!
Why STI Testing Matters
You’ve likely seen or heard the numbers of increasing STI rates across the globe. In the U.S., syphilis has reached levels not seen since the 1950s.
Instead of responding with fear or avoidance, let’s focus on why a proactive approach to testing and open communication with your partners is so important.
Asymptomatic Infections
Many are surprised to learn that most STI transmissions occur without visible symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than 1 million curable STIs are acquired daily among those aged 15-49, with most being asymptomatic.
This contrasts with what many learned in health classes about STIs with obvious symptoms and the idea that condom use alone ensures prevention. Let’s set the record straight—condoms alone aren’t 100% effective in preventing STIs.
While condoms do reduce transmission of some STIs, infections that transmit via skin-to-skin contact, like herpes, can still occur despite condom use.
Health Implications
While STIs don’t mean you’re a “bad” person, or that you “did something wrong,” some can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. With many infections being asymptomatic, it’s another reason why regular STI testing is so important.
Talking to Your Partners
You won’t know their STI status by asking how many people they’ve slept with or by inspecting their genitals for symptoms. The only way to know someone’s sexual health history is to ask them about it.
Some may feel more comfortable exchanging their latest test results. If someone refuses to provide this information, dismisses the topic, or assures you that they’re “clean,” they may not know their own STI status, or are deeply engulfed in stigma.
Knowing your partners’ STI status is required for informed consent, so be wary moving forward if your potential partner reacts in this way.
What is it like to get tested for STIs?
STI tests get a bad reputation, largely because we’ve been taught to fear what it means to test positive. STIs are common, expected outcomes of partnered sex. In fact, 1 in 2 people will get an STI by age 25.
Things happen when you put your bodies together! That’s why it’s important to treat your body with love and care by being proactive in getting tested for STIs.
Types of Tests
STI tests can be uncomfortable, which is why some people avoid them in addition to the stigma. Here are different test types of tests you can expect:
Blood: A provider will take blood from your arm or a finger prick for analysis
Urine: Peeing into a cup
Swab: A swab can be used orally and genitally. A provider will take a sample from your mouth or genitals to determine if an infection is present. If you have genital sores, know that this can cause sensitivity and discomfort.
Trauma Sensitivity During STI Testing
It’s important to acknowledge physical exams as they will likely be part of an in-person exam if someone has presenting symptoms. This can be traumatizing for sexual assault survivors, which is why it’s important for providers to remain informed.
I actually think there is a missing role of sexual health advocate in a lot of provider’s offices. Especially considering that many medical professionals receive ten hours or less of sexuality training. Finding an inclusive and informed provider can be a challenge, and it shouldn’t have to be.
What should I be tested for?
If you go to an in-person provider, you’ll likely be asked questions about your sexual health history and activity. Based on this information, your doctor will determine what tests are appropriate for you.
This might seem simple for those who trust their provider, but could be more complex for those who don’t feel safe sharing about their sexual activities (more on options for these folks, below!). You have a right to ask your provider what you’re being tested for and why.
Simply asking to be “tested for everything,” really puts you at a disservice if you don’t know what “everything” entails. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following for sexually active populations:
People ages 13-64: be tested for HIV at least once every year
Women under 25: be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia each year
Women over 25: be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia each year if they have new partners, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI
Pregnant People: be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
Higher risk populations: chlamydia and gonorrhea early and throughout the pregnancy
Men who have sex with men:
HIV: once per year; may benefit from testing every 3-6 months
Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia: at least once per year, may benefit from testing every 3-6 months
People who engage in oral and anal sex: discuss throat and rectal screenings
Those who share drug equipment: be tested for HIV at least once per year
More detailed recommendations can be found here.
Where to get tested?
While there are many tests and locations available, testing may not always be accessible to everyone. This could be due to someone’s age, identity, location, or financial and insurance situation, among other factors.
No matter what your situation is, here are a few options…
Routine Healthcare Provider
Whether it’s your gynecologist, or another general practitioner, you’ll be able to get tested at your appointment.
Pros: Keeps you on a regular schedule; easy to track record through one office; Add on tests to anything else you need
Cons: Requires insurance; appointment availability; may be time consuming; may not be accessible to those who don’t feel safe talking about their sexual health with their provider.
Urgent Care
Urgent care is an option if you can’t get in to see your regular doctor, are traveling, or are experiencing severe symptoms and need a more urgent appointment.
Pros: Appointment availability, real-time access to care and treatment
Cons: Can be costly, even with insurance; may be time consuming depending on how many others are there; may not be accessible to those who don’t feel safe talking about their sexual health with their provider.
Community Clinics
A lot of people know about Planned Parenthood, but many local communities have their own health clinics, too! Check out your state and county health services to see what might be available. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, there will likely be more kinds of clinics than those in more rural areas. You can use the CDC’s locator for additional clinic sites.
Pros: Accessible; low-cost options
Cons: Depending on where you live, may not be able to preserve anonymity (e.g. living in a small town)
At-Home Options
STI testing can be time consuming, which can turn a lot of busier professionals away. Enter at-home STI testing! There are a lot of at-home testing kits available, many of which include a follow-up with a provider to review your results and any treatment options with you, if necessary.
In the past, I’ve partnered with Everlywell due to their overall approach to sexual health. Their STI tests can be more costly, but they genuinely care about the people they serve, and believe in making STI testing a part of sexual self-care (like me!).
Pros: Discreet and preserve anonymity; save time; do it on your own terms (e.g., adding to self-care routine)
Cons: can be expensive; accuracy concerns depending on test type and timing
Empowering Through Education
I am so passionate about STI testing because of my diagnosis experience. Like so many, I, too, was uninformed and lackadaisical about my sexual health. Testing is an act of self-care that can strengthen your relationships, including the one you have with yourself. As we continue to educate ourselves and others, we can work toward reducing STI rates and the stigma surrounding them.
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