Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) are a fact of life for anyone sexually active, so medical screening is often necessary. However, unlike annual checkups, the need for screening depends on many factors.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, and his team offer STD testing at our Fort Worth, Texas office. We can review your medical history and lifestyle and recommend a schedule for how often you should be tested.
We’ve prepared this blog to help you understand when and why you could need to have your sexual health screened. Contact our office for more information.
A collection of many tests designed to identify infections that can be shared between partners during sex, STD testing involves screening samples of blood, urine, and other body fluids to identify diseases and infections.
Testing is fast, painless, and simple while providing a snapshot of your sexual health at a point in time. The need for additional testing changes with your circumstances and varies from person to person.
Recommendations for general STD screening include annual tests for all sexually active people, especially if you switch partners or have more than one partner in a year since your last testing.
Other general recommendations include:
Hep C and HIV testing should be more frequent for people at a higher risk of these infections.
If you’re under the age of 25, seek testing for a minimum of chlamydia and gonorrhea every year. Over the age of 25, we recommend annual testing only when you have new risk factors, like new or multiple sexual partners.
While Pap smears are not STD tests in the strictest sense, they can identify changes to your body caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and Pap smears and HPV tests are often combined. Talk to Dr. Whitfield about the testing intervals that are right for you.
Screen early in your pregnancy for:
Add chlamydia and gonorrhea testing if you have an elevated risk for these infections. Repeat testing is recommended for high-risk women in the third trimester.
You may have a higher risk of STDs if you:
While discussing your sexual habits and history may be uncomfortable, Dr. Whitfield provides a judgment-free environment focused on providing you with the most appropriate health care.
Contact John A. Whitfield, MD, to schedule STD screening by calling 817-927-2229 today.
