Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be transmitted through sexual activity and skin-to-skin contact.

The Role of STD Tests

STD tests are used to diagnose specific STDs. Tests may be part of a routine health screening or ordered when a patient experiences signs and symptoms of an STD.

Who should get testing?

Many people with STDs are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms of infection. Without testing, people infected with STDs may unknowingly spread the infection to others. STDs can lead to serious health complications, so appropriate STD screening and diagnosis is a major public health concern.

The goal of screening for STDs is to identify and treat people with infections before they develop complications and spread diseases to others. Additionally, screening attempts to identify, test, and treat the sexual partners of people diagnosed with STDs to prevent the continued spread of the infection.

While all sexually active people are at risk for STDs, not everyone needs to be screened for each STD. Screening focuses on people who are at a high risk of becoming infected due to factors such as age, gender, health history, number of sexual partners, and sexual behavior. Doctors can assess an individual’s personal risk factors and determine the most appropriate testing strategy. Below is a brief overview of common STD screening recommendations:

• Adults and adolescents: Everyone from ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once or more as needed based on risk level.
• Sexually active women: All sexually active women under 25 years old should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least every year. This recommendation also applies to women 25 years and older at an increased risk of STDs due to new or multiple sexual partners, or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD.
• Pregnant women: During pregnancy, women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Pregnant women with additional risk factors should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Sexually active gay and bisexual men: Men in this group should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently, such as every three or six months. This group may also benefit from more frequent HIV testing.
• Unsafe sex and injectable drug users: Anyone who shares injection drug equipment or has sex without protection such as a condom should be tested for HIV at least once a year.