STIs: Who Should Get Tested and When?

Caring for your sexual health is a normal part of staying healthy and taking care of your overall well-being. If you’re having sex, the team at Wynantskill Family Medicine recommends getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Board-certified family medicine physicians Scott Parrotta, DO, and Ritchie Parrotta, DO, are dedicated to providing exceptional care to the Wynantskill, New York, community. Given that many STIs cause no symptoms, routine screenings are highly beneficial.

Know the risks

Raising awareness of the risk of STIs means more people will take advantage of routine screening — and it seems to be working. Following a concerning surge in STI cases over the past several years, 2023 saw a decrease in STI cases.

Many sexually active teens and adults lack awareness of the risk of STIs and fail to get tested. More than 2.4 million cases of STIs were reported in 2023, underscoring the need for routine testing. 

Who should get tested?

Here's a quick overview of current testing recommendations:

Teens and young adults

Nearly half of those diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2023 were teens and young adults ages 15 to 24. This makes it crucial for people in this age group to opt for routine testing. 

More than one sexual partner

If you’re sexually active, especially with more than one partner, regular STI testing is crucial. Aim to get tested annually, even if you use condoms, as no protective method is entirely foolproof against all infections.

Starting a new relationship

Before engaging in unprotected sex with a new partner, both of you should consider getting tested. This is a responsible way to prioritize sexual health as your relationship begins.

Men who have sex with men

The CDC advises men who have sex with men to undergo STI testing every 3 to 6 months. The increased risk of infections like HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea in this group makes frequent screening essential.

Pregnant women

STI testing during pregnancy is critical to protect both the mother and baby. Identifying and treating infections early can significantly reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Individuals with symptoms

Experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, pelvic pain, or a burning sensation during urination means it’s time to get tested immediately. However, be aware that many STIs don’t cause obvious symptoms, so avoid relying on symptoms alone.

Those with a history of STIs

A previous STI increases your risk of future infections, making regular follow-up testing essential. Catching any new infections early ensures prompt treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

When should you get tested?

The timing of STI testing depends on factors like your sexual activity, potential exposures, and risk level. Here’s a general guide to help you decide when testing might be appropriate:

Regular screening

Sexually active individuals should aim for annual STI screenings. Depending on your risk factors, our team may recommend testing for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV.

Starting a new sexual relationship

Before transitioning to unprotected sex with a new partner, you both should get tested. Testing early provides peace of mind and establishes a foundation of trust.

After unprotected sex

If you’ve had unprotected sex, testing is vital. Get screened for infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia within 1-2 weeks and for HIV or syphilis within 1-3 months, as these infections may take time to show up on tests.

Prioritizing sexual health

Prioritizing your sexual health with regular STI testing is a proactive way to protect yourself and your partners. Infections left untreated can lead to long-term health issues, but early detection and treatment can make a positive difference.

If you need STI testing, don’t delay. The experts at Wynantskill Family Medicine provide compassionate, confidential care to guide you through the process. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.