STD Clinic

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are common, but the types of STD testing you need may vary by your risk factors.

If you're sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, you've probably heard the following advice many times: Use protection and get tested.

This is important because a person can have a sexually transmitted disease without knowing it. In many cases, there aren't any signs or symptoms. In fact, that's why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), because you can have an infection without disease symptoms.

But what types of STI testing do you need? And how often should you be screened? The answers depend on your age, your sexual behaviors and other risk factors.

Don't assume that you're receiving STI testing every time you have a gynecologic exam or Pap test. If you think you need STI testing, request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you'd like or need.

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
• HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis
• Genital Herpes
• HPV