How Often Should You Get Tested for STIs?

How often you should get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) depends on your age, sexual activity, and potential exposure. Many STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause no noticeable symptoms, so regular screening is important even when you feel healthy. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, we provide confidential, judgment-free STI testing for patients in Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Somerville, South Bound Brook, Manville, and nearby communities. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable discussing your sexual health concerns. We welcome walk-in patients seven days a week.

STI Screening Recommendations by Age and Risk

There is no single testing schedule that works for everyone. Some people benefit from annual STI screening, while others may need testing more frequently.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following screening schedules for common STIs:

• Sexually active women under 25: Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended.
• Women 25 and older: Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for those with increased risk factors, such as a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has an STI.
• People with increased STI risk: More frequent screening may be recommended if you have a history of STIs, a partner who has tested positive, or other risk factors.
• People living with HIV: Regular STI screening is important, with frequency based on individual health needs and potential exposure.

We can help you determine which STI tests are appropriate for you and how often you should be screened. If you're unsure whether you need testing, don't hesitate to ask questions.

Should You Get Tested for STIs Without Symptoms?

Yes. Many STIs cause no noticeable symptoms, which means you can have an infection without realizing it. Without testing and treatment, some infections can lead to complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems.

Consider STI screening if you:

• Have a new sexual partner or multiple partners.
• Have had sex without a condom or another barrier method.
• Have a partner who has tested positive for an STI.
• Have had a previous STI.
• Have a sexual health concern or are unsure whether you may have been exposed.

Routine screening can identify infections before symptoms develop.

What Happens During an Urgent Care STI Testing Visit?

An STI testing visit typically begins with a conversation about your sexual health history, symptoms, and potential exposure. Your provider will use this information to recommend appropriate tests.

Depending on your circumstances, testing may involve:

• Urine testing: Commonly used to screen for infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Blood testing: Used to screen for infections such as HIV and syphilis.
• Swab testing: May be used to collect samples from specific areas, depending on your symptoms and sexual practices.

Not every STI can be detected through a single test, so it is important to discuss your concerns and potential exposure with your provider. If you test positive, we can explain the recommended treatment or next steps. Depending on the infection, your sexual partners may also need testing or treatment.

Get Confidential STI Testing in Bound Brook, NJ

If you need STI testing in Bound Brook or Bridgewater, AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook offers convenient and affordable access to care.

Visit our clinic at 601 W Union Ave, Bound Brook, NJ, or call (732) 469-3627 to ask about available STI testing services. We accept major insurance plans, although coverage varies by plan. Contact the clinic if you have questions about testing availability, insurance coverage, or what to expect during your visit.