🚨 Are you sexually active? It’s time to talk about STI screening! 🚨 Discover the essential tests you should get and what NOT to worry about. Your sexual health matters—let’s keep it safe and informed! 💖 #STIScreening #HealthMatters #StaySafe

What is STI screening?

“Screening” means testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in a person who does not have symptoms. Screening is very important. That’s because STIs often do not cause symptoms, so a person can have an STI and not know it.

Who should be tested for STIs?

For screening, different tests are appropriate for different people, depending on their sex and sex habits. Some general guidelines below:

• All people (including teens) should get screened at least once for HIV.
• All females younger than 25 years who have had sex should be screened every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Females older than 25 who have sex with more than 1 partner and do not use condoms should be screened every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Males who have sex with males should be screened at least once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. This should include testing of any body parts that could be infected, including the rectum. Males who have sex with males should also be screened at least once for hepatitis A, B, and C.
• Pregnant people should be screened for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. They should also be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea if they are younger than 25 years or have more than 1 sex partner. Some pregnant people might also need to be screened for other infections, depending on their sex habits.
• All people who are infected with HIV should be screened at least once for hepatitis A, B, and C. They should also be screened at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Females who are infected with HIV should be screened at least once a year for trichomonas. Males who are infected with HIV, and who have sex with males with HIV, should be screened at least once a year for hepatitis C.
• Transgender and gender-diverse people should be screened based on their anatomy and sex habits.

Some people might need other screening tests depending on their sex habits and other factors. If you are unsure whether you should be screened and for what, ask your doctor.

I found a useful online STI Risk Calculator here, which gives recommendations based on the STI Treatment Guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What Should NOT Be Tested During STI Screening?

• Herpes simplex virus — Routine screening for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections is not recommended if you do not have any symptoms.
• Mycoplasma genitalium — Routine screening for M. genitalium is not recommended.

Conclusion

Regular STD screening is a vital aspect of maintaining sexual health. It’s important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and any concerns you may have. Remember, while some tests are essential for early detection and treatment, others may not be necessary unless specific circumstances arise.

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-sexually-transmitted-infections?search=herpes%20simplex%20screening&sectionRank=1&usage_type=default&anchor=H88323198&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=2~150&display_rank=2#H353234316

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