Most sexually active people should get tested for STDs at least once a year, and more often with new or multiple partners. That’s the short answer. The fuller answer depends on your age, your relationships, and whether you’re pregnant — and none of it deserves judgment.
Asking how often should you get tested for STDs is a sign you’re taking care of yourself. Testing is routine health care, not a verdict on your choices. Below is clear, current guidance based on the CDC — plus what testing looks like at Choices in Phoenix and Glendale.
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How often should you get tested for STDs?
The right testing schedule depends on a few simple factors. The CDC’s STI screening recommendations offer a helpful baseline.
Sexually active women under 25 should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year. These infections are common in this age group and often show no symptoms.
Here is a simple way to think about your own timeline:
- At least once a year if you are sexually active — a good baseline for most people.
- Every 3 to 6 months if you have multiple partners or a partner whose status you don’t know.
- With every new partner — before or early in a new relationship.
- HIV at least once for everyone ages 13 to 64, per the CDC.
If you’re a sexually active woman under 25, yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is the standard. It’s quick, and it’s one of the most caring things you can do for your body.
Do you need testing if you have no symptoms?
Yes. Testing without symptoms is one of the most important habits you can build.
Most STDs have no symptoms. You can carry and pass an infection while feeling completely healthy.
This is the biggest myth we hear: no symptoms means no problem. In reality, infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea are frequently silent. Waiting for a symptom to appear can mean waiting too long. If you’d like a closer look at the signs that can appear, our guide to STD symptoms in women walks through what to watch for.
What is a window period?
A window period is the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect an infection.
Testing too soon after a possible exposure can give a false negative, because your body hasn’t produced enough of what the test measures yet. Window periods vary by infection — some are days, others are weeks. If you’re testing after a specific encounter, ask about timing so your results are accurate.
Should you get tested during pregnancy?
Yes. STD testing is a standard, recommended part of prenatal care. Untreated infections can affect both a pregnancy and a baby, and many are easy to treat once identified.
If you’re pregnant and considering your options, testing still matters. At Choices, STD testing is available at a pregnancy test or ultrasound appointment if you are considering abortion, so you have clear medical information before making any decision. There’s no pressure — just facts and support.
What does STD testing at Choices look like?
STD testing at Choices is confidential $35 STD testing, with no insurance needed. It’s designed to feel private, simple, and free of judgment.
Here’s what to know before you come in:
- Cost: Affordable $35, no insurance required.
- Confidential: Your visit and results stay private.
- Locations: Available one day per week at our Glendale and Phoenix centers only.
- Photo ID: A valid photo ID is required to be seen at our centers.
Our team includes registered nurses and sonographers, and care is always given without pressure or shame. If you have questions before booking, you can learn more on our confidential $35 STD testing page.
How do you decide the right schedule for you?
Start with the baseline above, then adjust for your life. New partner? Test. Multiple partners? Test more often. Under 25 and sexually active? Make yearly screening part of your routine.
If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal — you don’t have to figure it out alone. A short, private conversation with a nurse can help you land on a schedule that fits you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you get tested for STDs if you have one partner?
If you and your partner are in a mutually exclusive relationship and both tested negative after your window periods, annual testing is a reasonable baseline. Test again any time circumstances change, such as a new partner for either of you.
Can you get tested for STDs without symptoms?
Yes, and you should. Most STDs cause no symptoms, so regular testing is the only reliable way to know your status. Choices offers confidential $35 STD testing with no insurance needed.
How much does STD testing cost at Choices?
STD testing at Choices is $35 and does not require insurance. It’s available one day per week at our Glendale and Phoenix centers only, and a photo ID is required to be seen.
How soon after exposure should you get tested?
It depends on the infection’s window period — the time before a test can reliably detect it. Testing too early can miss an infection, so ask about timing to make sure your results are accurate.
Do you need STD testing during pregnancy?
Yes. STD testing is a recommended part of prenatal care. At Choices, testing is available at a pregnancy test or ultrasound appointment if you are considering abortion, so you have clear information before deciding.
You deserve clear answers and real support
Knowing how often to get tested puts you in control of your own health — no fear, no shame, just facts. Whether it’s your first test or a routine check, Choices is here to make it simple and private.
Ready when you are: book a confidential appointment at Choices. Remember to bring a photo ID, and know that testing is available one day per week at our Glendale and Phoenix centers.
