Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections you can get from another person during sex. STIs are quite common, and each year, millions of people in the U.S. get an STI.
Even though it might be uncomfortable, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your sexual health and ways you can protect yourself during sex. Sexual health is a big part of your overall health.
Sometimes, STIs do not show signs because they are very minor or don’t start until later. This means you can have an STI and not even know it. Some STIs can cause serious health problems if they’re not treated, so it’s important to get tested.
So, who should be tested? The experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say:
- If you’re between the ages of 13 and 64 years old and sexually active, ask your doctor for an HIV test every year.
- If you’re a woman under 25 and sexually active, it’s recommended that you get tested every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- For women over 25 years old with risk factors like having more than one partner, having a new partner, or having a partner with an STI, it’s important to get annual tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in the stages of early pregnancy. Depending on your situation, you may also need to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sometimes, testing is needed more than once.
- If you’re a man who has sex with other men, you should get tested at least once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If you have lots of partners or unknown partners, you might need to get tested every three to six months. If you live with HIV, it’s important to get tested for hepatitis C every year.
- If you use the same tools as someone else to take drugs, it’s important to get tested for HIV at least once a year.
- If you’ve had oral or anal sex, ask your healthcare provider about testing for your throat or rectum.
The best way to avoid STIs is by not having sex. But what else can you do to keep you and your partner safe?
- Vaccinate against some STIs, like HPV and hepatitis B.
- Try to keep the number of sexual partners low.
- Get regular STI testing. Both you and your partner can get tested and share your results.
- Being with only one partner who is also only with you and does not have an STI.
- Use condoms the right way every time you have sex.
You increase your risk of getting an STI by having many different sexual partners or partners you don’t know well. Using drugs or alcohol before or during sex can also put you at risk because they can make you take more sexual risks. If you don’t use a condom correctly during any type of sex (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) your chances of getting an STI increases.
There are a lot of STIs out there. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and many others are commonly spread through sex. The key to staying healthy is protection and regular testing. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Asking is the way to know you are receiving the right tests.
Learn more about the CDC’s recommendations >
If you would like an STI screening, contact your primary care provider (PCP). If you need help with scheduling an appointment or transportation to your PCP (for eligible members), call your MO HealthNet managed care plan, Healthy Blue, at 833-388-1407 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.