Do You Need to Get Yourself Tested?

If you are sexually active, then yes! Half of all sexually active people will get an STI by the age of 25, and most won't know it because they won't always have symptoms. So, a person might feel perfectly healthy but still have an infection.

No matter which type(s) of sex you've had -- whether oral, vaginal or anal -- you generally need to get yourself tested at least once every year. If barriers (i.e., condoms, dental dams, and/or capes) are not used every time you have sex, or if you have multiple partners, then you might benefit from getting yourself testedmore frequently.

Everyone's specific STI/HIV testing needs are different, so talk to your healthcare provider about which tests are most appropriate for you!