Common STD Symptoms and When to Get Tested

Sexually transmitted infections are common. More than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the United States. According to the CDC, there were approximately 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in the U.S. in 2021. About half of these cases occur in people ages 15 to 24. What makes STDs particularly concerning is that you might not have any symptoms, and some STIs cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. But even with no symptoms, STIs can spread to others.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections spread mainly by contact with genitals or bodily fluids. Also called STDs, STIs or venereal disease, sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. Some STIs are easy to treat and cure. Others are more complicated. The key is recognizing when symptoms may indicate an infection and understanding that regular testing is often the only way to know for certain.

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections spread mainly by contact with genitals or bodily fluids. Also called STDs, STIs or venereal disease, sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Sexual activity includes genital touching or sexual intercourse. The most common bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are often curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Viral infections like herpes, HIV, and HPV may be managed but are typically not curable.

Some groups of people may be at higher than average risk of getting chlamydia or gonorrhea. Healthcare professionals may suggest getting tested for these STIs every year or even more often for: Sexually active people assigned female at birth who are younger than 25. Transgender people with a cervix who are younger than 25. People assigned female at birth who are older than 25 and who have a higher risk of infection. Having a new sex partner or having more than one partner raises the risk. Additional risk factors may include inconsistent condom use, having a partner with an STD, or engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of substances that impair judgment.

Testing is the only way to be sure if you have an STI. If you are sexually active, STI testing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider to learn which STI tests are right for you. STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not know you have one. But even without symptoms, infections can cause serious health problems and spread to others. It's important to know if you have an STI, so you and your partner(s) can receive treatment.

Consider getting tested if you have any of the symptoms listed above, have had unprotected sexual contact, are starting a new relationship, have multiple partners, or simply want peace of mind about your sexual health. HIV testing may be recommended at least once as part of a routine medical checkup for people between the ages of 13 and 64. Younger teens or older adults should be tested if they have a high risk of an STI. If you have a high risk of infection, your healthcare professional may suggest HIV testing yearly or more often depending on your risks.

STD test results are typically reported as positive (infection detected) or negative (no infection detected). A positive result means that the specific infection was found and treatment may be needed, while a negative result suggests that the infection was not detected at the time of testing. It's important to remember that some infections have window periods - the time between exposure and when the test can accurately detect the infection - so timing of testing matters.

Abnormal results don't necessarily mean serious health consequences, especially when caught early. Some STIs are easy to treat and cure. Others are more complicated. Treatment is important so you don't spread the disease. Treatment also can help prevent fertility trouble, organ damage or some cancers. If any test comes back positive, healthcare providers can discuss appropriate treatment options and steps to prevent transmission to partners. Many bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be completely cured with proper antibiotic treatment.

Prevention remains the best approach to sexual health. Consistent and correct use of condoms during all sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of contracting STDs, though they don't provide 100% protection. Open communication with sexual partners about STD status and testing history is also important for making informed decisions about sexual health.

Regular testing becomes part of responsible sexual health maintenance, similar to other routine health screenings. Regular testing also helps reduce transmission to sexual partners, ensuring a healthier community overall. Even those in monogamous relationships may benefit from initial testing to establish baseline health status. Vaccination is available for some infections like HPV and hepatitis B, providing additional protection when appropriate.