One of the most common (and valid!) concerns about sex is the possibility of catching or transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While more and more of us are taking control of our sexual health with regular STI testing, there can still be major social stigma around testing, and it can be tricky to find reliable information about how frequently you should have an STI test. 

The Importance of Regular STI Testing

STI testing is more than just a check-up; it is an active step towards preserving both your health and that of your partners. Since most STIs can exist without noticeable symptoms, testing is the only foolproof way to know your STI status. In addition, some STIs can take weeks to months to be reliably detected, which means repeat testing may be required. Left undetected and untreated, some STIs may cause serious complications, so it’s essential to get tested regularly.

How Often To Test for STIs

Recommendations for how often to be tested for STIs depend on a few factors, including how many partners you have, the nature of your relationships, and the type of sex you have. 

Some guidance applies to everyone: any time you have sex with someone who tells you they have an STI, or if you notice symptoms of an STI, you should get tested.

If You Are In a Long-Term Monogamous Relationship

People who have one long-term mutually exclusive partner are recommended to test at the start of the relationship, making sure any window periods have passed from the last episode of unprotected sex. Check out our window period calculator to help figure this out! 

If You Have Short-Term or Casual Relationships

The basic rule of thumb for sexually active people who are having condomless sex with new or casual partners is to get tested at least once annually, and after any partner change.

If You Are a Man Who Has Sex With Men

If you are a man who has sex with men (e.g., gay or bisexual) and you are having condomless sex with new or casual partners, you should get tested at least once annually and after any partner change.

Certain STI rates are higher among men who have sex with men, so testing recommendations can sometimes vary. People in this group can consider having more frequent STI checks depending on their lifestyle and number of partners.

If You Have Multiple or Anonymous Partners

People who have multiple partners may have a significantly higher risk of having an STI than monogamous people. If you are sexually active with more than 10 partners in a year or have anonymous partners, it is recommended to get tested every three months.

If You Are on PrEP

People who take pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV (PrEP) are required to have an STI test every three months. 

If You Engage in Higher-Risk Sex

If you engage in sex that may have a higher risk of transmitting an STI, you may be recommended to do more frequent testing, usually every three months. This includes:

• People who use drugs alongside sex (“chemsex”)
• People who are involved in selling sex
• People who have been diagnosed with certain STIs within the last year (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis)
• People who have multiple or anonymous partners

It’s important to note that the above guidelines may not apply to everyone. Your local sexual health clinic can give specific advice on how often to get tested for STIs that is tailored to your individual circumstances.

Should I Get an STI Test Now?

There are several circumstances in which it is recommended to test as soon as possible for STIs, including:

• Symptoms: If you have symptoms that may be caused by an STI, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. 
• STI diagnosis: If you have been diagnosed with an STI, it is important to test for other STIs too, as co-infections are common. 
• Partner With an STI: If you have had unprotected sex with a partner who has an STI or who has symptoms of an STI, it is recommended to seek advice from your local sexual health clinic.
• Pregnancy: Routine STI testing is offered to all pregnant women at the start of their pregnancy. STIs during pregnancy can have severe consequences for the health of the infant and the safety of childbirth.

When to Get Tested For STIs

When considering when to test for STIs, it’s important to understand that each infection has a window period. This is the time between potential exposure to an STI (e.g., through unprotected sex) and when an STI test can accurately detect (or rule out) the infection. 

For example, chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests are accurate two weeks after potential exposure, most HIV tests are accurate after six weeks, and syphilis tests are accurate after three months.

If you test soon after unprotected sex, there is a risk the test will show a negative result when you do actually have the infection (called a “false negative”). 

To ensure an accurate result, STI testing should be done at the right time. Yoxly’s Window Period Calculator makes determining the right time to test easy! Simply input when you last had unprotected sex, and it will suggest when is the ideal time to test. 

How do I Get Tested For STIs?

Depending on your needs and concerns, there are two options for checking if you have an STI: at-home testing kits and clinic visits.

At-Home Testing Kits:

Need easy access and discretion? Don’t have time to go to a clinic? Consider a do-it-yourself home testing kit. Yoxly has a range of home STI test kits that are posted discreetly to your address, which you can do at your convenience. Yoxly’s kits are private, simple to use, and are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions. Take our quiz to see which kit is right for you!

Clinic Visits:

Prefer face-to-face consultations? Your local sexual health clinic can help you with all your STI-testing needs. Clinics are also a chance to talk with a healthcare professional about any worries and discuss safer sex in a non-judgmental setting.

Summary

At Yoxly, our goal is to provide all people with the knowledge and tools to help them take control of their sexual health. Regular STI checks are a key part of this. Testing recommendations vary depending on the types of relationships a person has and how often they change partners.