Quick answer: It depends on your age, health history and situation. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 get an HIV test at least once, that sexually active women under 25 get chlamydia and gonorrhea tests every year, and that some groups test every 3 to 6 months (CDC). A health care provider can tell you which tests you need and how often.
Many people aren’t sure how often they should get tested, or whether they need to at all if they feel fine. The short answer: yes, testing matters even without symptoms, because many STIs don’t cause any. This guide summarizes current CDC guidance in plain language. It’s educational, not medical advice, so talk to a provider about your own situation.
Why testing matters, even if you feel fine
The CDC explains that STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not know you have one. Even without symptoms, infections can cause serious health problems and spread to partners (CDC). Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, can affect fertility.
Testing is also less common than it should be. The CDC counted more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in 2024 (CDC), and about 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the U.S. don’t know it (CDC).
CDC testing guidelines at a glance
These are general guidelines from the CDC. Your provider may recommend different timing based on where you live and your health history (CDC).
| Who | What to test for | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone ages 13–64 | HIV | At least once |
| Most sexually active adults | Syphilis | Based on local rates; ask your provider |
| Sexually active women under 25 | Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Every year |
| Women 25 and older with new or multiple partners, or a partner with an STI | Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Every year |
| Pregnant people | Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C | Early in pregnancy; some need repeat testing |
| Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men | Syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea | At least once a year; every 3–6 months with multiple or anonymous partners |
| Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men | HIV | At least once a year; may benefit from every 3–6 months |
| Anyone who shares injection drug equipment | HIV | At least once a year |
The CDC also advises talking with a provider about throat and rectal testing options, since some infections aren’t detected by a urine test alone.
When to get tested outside your regular schedule
Consider testing sooner if:
- You have symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, burning when urinating or pelvic pain.
- You have a new partner, or a partner tells you they have an STI.
- You’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- You’ve had a condom break or other possible exposure.
- You’ve been treated for an infection and your provider recommends retesting.
If you think you were exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours, contact a provider or emergency room right away and ask about post-exposure prevention.
What STI testing involves
Testing is usually quick. Depending on the infection, you may give a urine sample, a blood sample or a swab (CDC).
Three ways to get tested
- At a provider’s office or clinic. Your provider orders tests and follows up with results.
- Self-test at home. FDA-authorized self-tests are available for HIV and syphilis, and for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis using a vaginal swab. Some give results in minutes.
- Self-collect and mail. You collect a sample at home with a kit and mail it to a lab. Results take a few days. FDA-authorized options exist for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Even if you use a home test, the CDC recommends talking with a provider about your results and next steps.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read STI Testing: What It Is.
Where to find free or low-cost testing
If cost or privacy is a concern, many clinics offer confidential, free or low-cost testing. The CDC’s Get Tested locator (gettested.cdc.gov) helps you find testing near you, including self-collection options. Local health departments, community health centers and college health centers are also good places to start.
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Does a routine checkup include STI testing?
Not necessarily. Many people assume they’re tested for “everything” at a physical or a gynecology visit, but STI tests are usually ordered separately, and only for specific infections. A Pap test, for example, screens for changes in cervical cells; it is not a general STI test. The only way to be sure is to ask your provider directly which tests you’re getting.
It also helps to keep your own record: note the date, which infections you were tested for and the results. That makes it easier to know when you’re due again, especially if you switch providers or use different clinics.
How to bring it up with your provider
Talking about testing can feel awkward, but providers have these conversations every day. Try:
“I’d like to make sure I’m up to date on STI testing. What do you recommend for me?”
You can also ask:
- “Which infections are you testing for today?”
- “Do I need a throat or rectal swab?”
- “How will I get my results, and when?”
- “When should I test again?”
Not sure what to ask? You can practice with Dr Ed, our free AI health educator, at drsexed.ai (ages 13+; under 13 with a parent’s consent; no sign-up).
How to talk to a partner about testing
Testing together can be a sign of care and respect. Choose a calm moment and keep it simple:
“I care about both of our health. I got tested recently. Would you be up for getting tested too?”
If you test positive
A positive result is common and manageable. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are curable with antibiotics, and HIV is treatable. Follow your provider’s instructions, let recent partners know so they can get tested, and retest if your provider recommends it. Read why rates remain high in Are STI Rates Rising?
Frequently asked questions
How often should you get tested for STIs?
It depends on your age and situation. The CDC recommends at least one HIV test for everyone ages 13 to 64, yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea tests for sexually active women under 25, and more frequent testing for some groups. Ask your provider what’s right for you.
Should I get tested if I don’t have symptoms?
Yes. Many STIs cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
How often should I get tested for HIV?
Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once. People with ongoing risk, such as gay and bisexual men or people who share injection equipment, should test at least yearly, and some may benefit from testing every 3 to 6 months.
Can I test for STIs at home?
Yes. There are FDA-authorized self-tests for HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, plus self-collection kits you mail to a lab.
Where can I get free STI testing?
Many health departments and community clinics offer free or low-cost, confidential testing. The CDC’s Get Tested locator can help you find options nearby.
Does a Pap test check for STIs?
No. A Pap test screens for changes in cervical cells. STI tests are usually separate, so ask your provider which infections you’re being tested for.
Sources
- CDC. Getting Tested for STIs (updated March 17, 2026). https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/
- CDC. STI Screening Recommendations (STI Treatment Guidelines). https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm
- CDC. STI Surveillance 2024 (Provisional). https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/index.html
- CDC. HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, 2018–2022. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/156513
- CDC. Get Tested locator. https://gettested.cdc.gov/