Topic Tuesday: STD screening

“I tested clean for STDs at my last exam a year ago. When should I get tested again if I have no symptoms?”

Great question! We recommend getting screened for STDs annually, or whenever you have had a new sexual partner. 

It’s easy to assume you don’t have any STDs if you haven’t had any symptoms, but in reality, many STDs cause no symptoms at all for women. In fact, 75% of women who have an STD show no symptoms! This means, you could have it, be spreading it, and have no idea.

That is why it is imperative to get checked on a regular basis so you avoid any complications or spreading a possible STD to any partners. Two of the most common STDs (gonorrhea and chlamydia) can cause infertility when left untreated and most women don’t know they have it.

In 2018, nearly 2.4 million cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis were diagnosed. According to the CDC, there was a 22 percent increase from 2017.

If you haven’t been checked for STDs in the last year, or since you’ve had a new sexual partner – make an appointment for a screening today.