STI Cases Continue to Rise: Who Should Get Tested and When?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are preventable, but even so, some 20 million new cases occur each year in the United States. So, it’s a good idea to make regular STI testing part of your life. 

At all nine Connecticut locations of Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven, our providers offer preventive medicine and screening services to help you stay healthy. 

Regular STI screenings can lead to early diagnosis, faster treatment, and better outcomes — and prevent you from unknowingly spreading infection. 

Modern medicine can effectively treat STIs, especially if the infection is identified early in the course of the disease. Early diagnosis helps avoid complications, and the treatment is generally less complex. 

Guidelines for STI screenings

Our experts recommend that anyone sexually active undergo regular STI testing. That’s especially true if you’re a woman under the age of 25 or a man who has sex with other men. If you’re pregnant, you should have STI screening as a standard part of your prenatal care. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers specific recommendations and guidelines based on gender and potential for exposure. The CDS recommends testing for many STIs, including: 

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

How frequently you should get tested depends on your risk factors and lifestyle choices. At a minimum, most people should schedule testing annually. 

If you have particular risk factors, such as sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia, or you have multiple sexual partners, you likely need more frequent testing. 

Our providers offer detailed and individual recommendations for each patient. We consider your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors to make recommendations. 

What you need to know about STI testing

If you’re nervous about STI testing, don’t worry. For your convenience, we conduct tests in our offices. 

Different screenings have different requirements. For example, you may need to have blood drawn or provide a urine sample, or we may collect fluid with a swab, depending on the test. 

Once we collect a sample, we send it to a lab for analysis. Most of the time, we receive the results within a week or two. We then call you to discuss the results. 

STI testing is quick, convenient, and confidential. It’s also essential if you’re sexually active, pregnant, or at higher risk. Scheduling regular STI screenings protects yourself and others.

Schedule your STI screening at Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven today. Call the office near you or request an appointment online.