How Often Should You Get Tested for an STD?

Taking Care of Your Sexual Health

Unfortunately, sexually transmitted diseases are not uncommon in the U.S. — and in California alone, STD rates are on the rise. However, taking care of your sexual health with regular testing and screening can help detect an STD early on and mitigate symptoms to prevent further complications. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding STD Symptoms

While symptoms of an STD may show up right away in some cases, others may take months, years, or have no symptoms at all. If you are sexually active, whether you have symptoms or not, regular screening and testing for STDs is a critical component in protecting your health. Read on to learn more about STD testing.

STD Testing Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some testing guidelines to consider:

• Adults and adolescents from 13 to 64: Tested at least once for HIV.
• Sexually active women: Yearly testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Pregnant women early in pregnancy: testing for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. At risk, pregnant women should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea early in pregnancy.
• Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea; those who have multiple partners should be tested more frequently; tested yearly for HIV; tested yearly for hepatitis C if living with HIV.
• Individuals having unprotected sex or sharing drug injections equipment: Yearly testing for HIV.
• Individuals who have engaged in oral or anal sex: Speak to a doctor about throat and rectal testing options.

Seeking Legal Recourse After Contracting and STD from a Partner

Learning you have an STD is devastating news, and when contracted from a partner who failed to inform you of their STD status, it can be that much more difficult to bear. In California, not telling a sexual partner about your STD status is illegal, and you may have grounds to file an STD lawsuit.

We understand that speaking out against someone who gave you an STD is a personal and private matter. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering and more, pursuing an STD claim can help provide you with the recovery you need to move on with your life. Our attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time while ensuring your privacy is protected.

Contact KMD Law at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

CDC: Screening recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm

Mayo Clinic: Pap smear
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841