Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV is an important part of taking care of your sexual health, and the health of your partners. STIs are a risk at any age if you and your partners haven’t been tested regularly. If you have never been tested for STIs or HIV, or if it has been a while since your last test, you can find answers to common questions about testing below.
If you are a man who is having sex with other men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea once a year. However, if you’re having sex with multiple partners, you should get tested more frequently — every three to six months.
In addition to routine screening, you should also seek testing as soon as possible if you are experiencing possible STI symptoms, or if you think you may have been exposed to an STI or HIV. It’s important to remember that some STIs might not cause any symptoms at all. That’s why if you’ve had unprotected sex with a partner who has an STI (or whom you believe might have one), you should get tested even if you’re not experiencing symptoms.
Learn more about STI symptoms and how they are spread, and how to prevent them.
An HIV test detects when a person is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection. While there is no cure for HIV, there are treatments available that can help people live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of passing it on to others.
If you answer yes to any of the questions below, it’s a good idea to get tested for HIV every three to six months.
It’s important to note that no HIV test can detect the virus immediately after infection. If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, talk to a health care provider right away about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a medication taken after potential exposure to prevent infection.
You can also ask your health care provider about PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV, to learn if it’s right for you. If you start taking PrEP, you must get tested every three months or so to be sure that you do not have HIV.
Getting tested for an STI or HIV usually requires an in-person visit, although your health care provider may offer a telehealth appointment. It’s important to know that STI and HIV testing may not be included in your regular checkup. Health care providers may not think to ask if you’re sexually active or about the type of sex that you’re having, especially if you are over 50. But you know your sexual activity best, so be sure to ask for STI testing if you think you may be at risk.
There is also a test for HIV that you can take at home.
Contact your health care provider to schedule a testing appointment. If you don’t have a health care provider, you can use the sexual health services locator to find an STI testing clinic near you.
Most insurance plans, including MassHealth, cover the cost of STI and HIV testing. Some health clinics and testing sites offer low or no-cost testing if you do not have health insurance. Learn more about paying for STI testing.
Find low- to no-cost sexual health services near you, like PrEP, STI testing, and more on the Service Locator Map.
PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV. Take a short quiz to find out if it may be right for you.