It’s no secret that we all love sex. It’s a fun way to explore the human body, release stress, and increase feelings of pleasure. But the reality is that sex can also lead to some un-fun consequences such as sexually transmitted diseases.

And although contracting an STD isn’t something to be ashamed of, it is something you should be aware of.

Leaving an STD untreated can lead to serious complications down the road including infertility.

So you may be wondering how often should you get tested for STDs. Keep reading to find out more information that you need to know.

Breaking The Stigma

First things first! Before getting into the nitty-gritty of how often you should be getting tested, you need to know that most of the time having an STD is no big deal.

We tend to feel this sense of shame when diagnosed with an STD that stems from a negative stigma that sex is inherently dirty or immoral.

The reality is that there are over 20 million new STD infections per year in the United States alone. So don’t worry, you aren’t alone!

Knowing The Signs

Aside from your routine tests, there a few signs that may indicate you need a checkup. If you notice any strange feeling down there, such as itching or burning, it’s time to get tested.

But you should also keep in mind that many STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, don’t always show symptoms. So if you are experiencing symptoms you need to get to the doctor asap.

How Often Should You Get Tested For STDs?

How often you need to get tested has a lot to do with your sexual activity. If you are in a committed relationship or a dry spell, you should get tested at least once a year.

If you have sex with a new person and get tested shortly after, you may want to wait a month or so and then be tested again. Some STDs take a while to show up on a test.

If you like to have casual sex with multiple partners, the ideal scenario would be you and your new partner getting tested before having sex. But of course, it doesn’t always work like that. So if you fall into this category, consider getting tested every few months with a minimum of twice a year.

If you have been diagnosed with an STD recently, you should get tested again around 6 months later just to ensure you are STD free.

Taking Control Of Your Health

Now that you know the answer to how often should you get tested for STDs, you must take that next step and follow up. Although having an STD isn’t something that anyone wants to experience, it’s extremely common.

And the best way to take control of your health is to ensure that you are STD free.