When it comes to sexual health, “Get tested” is a frequently repeated mantra. But who should get tested? What should you get tested for? And how often do you really need to get STI testing?
The answer: It depends. But experts at Allies for Health + Wellbeing are sharing their advice on STI testing best practices.
First and foremost, if you are having symptoms that you are concerned about, get yourself tested. Many sexual transmitted diseases do not have noticeable symptoms, but Dr. Sarah McBeth, medical director at Allies, said that symptoms such as penile or vaginal discharge, genital lesions of any kind and/or rashes should be checked out as soon as possible.
If a sexual partner or previous partner tells you that they have an infection, you should seek testing as soon as possible.
“You certainly want to get tested if you have sex with somebody who says they have tested positive for something,” said Anitra Branch, director of outreach and education at Allies. “You should get tested for everything at that point,” since one infection can make a person more susceptible to additional infections.
A change in your relationship status is also a good time to seek out STI testing.
“If folks are in a new relationship or have left a relationship, that might be a time to get a STI screen before starting a new relationship or dating new partners,” McBeth said.
Those who practice non-monogamy may consider getting tested more often.
“Folks who are active with multiple partners should consider PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and whether or not they choose to use PrEP, we would recommend testing for STIs every three months,” McBeth said. “That includes HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.”
If you’ve had a risky sexual encounter and are concerned about contracting syphilis or another STI, doxy-PEP may be an option.
“Doxy-PEP is a medication taken after a high-risk sexual exposure, and it’s been shown to reduce rates of chlamydia and syphilis and to some extent, gonorrhea,” McBeth said.
Those in monogamous relationships are more protected against infection, but Branch suggests that this isn’t a reason to forego testing altogether.
“I know that there are folks who are in relationships that they believe to be monogamous but are not,” Branch said. “You can make it a regular habit, that you and your partner get tested once a year.”
“If there’s concern that a partner has other partners, whether or not that’s an open relationship, that would be a situation where you would want to get tested,” McBeth added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone get tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime. However, those who are at greater risk of contracting HIV should get tested more frequently.
“All adults should be screened for HIV at least once, and if they are at risk, we should be screening at least once a year,” said McBeth. “With multiple partners and higher risk, testing should be more like every three months.”
If you do not have an HIV diagnosis, PrEP is a daily pill or regular injection that is highly effective at preventing HIV. While on PrEP, you should be making regular visits to your provider for testing. You’ll always be tested for HIV, and you may be tested for other STIs as well, since PrEP offers protection only against HIV.
“Individuals on PrEP get tested at three-month intervals to ensure they remain HIV negative,” Branch said. “While medication used for PrEP is also used to treat HIV, the PrEP medication alone isn’t enough to treat HIV. If someone who is taking PrEP becomes infected with HIV and continues PrEP, they may develop resistance to the drug. Having a drug-resistant strain of HIV limits treatment options.”
When you come for a PrEP visit at Allies, you’ll be tested for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
“A patient may be tested for more infections based on what they disclose, but that might mean an additional clinic visit with a provider,” Branch said.
If you’re not on PrEP, you should get tested for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once a year. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, while young women are most at risk for chlamydia and young men are more at risk for gonorrhea, according to the CDC.
Because you can have an STI and not have symptoms, it’s important for all those who are sexually active to make testing part of their healthcare routine.
“Any sexually active people should be getting tested for STIs, and that includes sex that’s not consensual,” said Branch. “If you’re having sex, you should be getting tested for STIs.”
Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider about STI testing and how often you should get tested. And if you’re looking for inclusive and judgment-free sexual healthcare, give Allies for Health + Wellbeing a try.
Allies for Health + Wellbeing offers testing in its East Liberty clinic as well as at partner organizations and events. Allies also offers PrEP for HIV prevention. Visit AlliesPGH.org or call 412-345-7456 to make a testing appointment. Find our free testing dates and locations at alliespgh.org/resources/free-testing
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