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STDs & Sexual Health

How Often Should Sexually Active Adults Get STD Tested?

Andre Stone | MD

Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.

How often sexually active adults should be tested depends on factors such as age, pregnancy, sexual practices, partners, symptoms, and possible exposures. Some people need annual or more frequent screening, while others may need different testing. The CDC recommends annual testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea for sexually active women under 25 and older women with risk factors. Men who have sex with men should generally be screened at least annually for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, with testing every 3-6 months considered for those at increased risk. Those with multiple partners, new partners, or unprotected sex need more frequent screening. Most adults should have an HIV test at least once, with repeat testing based on ongoing risk. Annual or more frequent testing may be appropriate for some people at increased risk. Syphilis testing frequency depends on risk level, ranging from annual to every 3 months.

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