If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health! Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and STD testing. This will help you understand what STD tests you may need. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with your regular healthcare provider about STDs, visit one of the many clinicsLinks to an external site. that provide confidential testing that is free or low cost. For ways to prepare for your doctor’s visit, check out this guideLinks to an external site..

Which STD Tests Should I Get?

- Adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
- Sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has an STD, also should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
- If you are pregnant, you should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B starting early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnant women also should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Testing should be repeated as needed.
- Sexually active gay and bisexual males should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
- Sexually active gay and bisexual males may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).

- Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.

Hotlines and Resources

CDC INFOLinks to an external site. 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) l 1-888-232-6348 TTY

Counselors are available to answer questions about personal health issues, including HIV and other STDs; online zip code tool for finding local HIV, STD, and Hepatitis testing locations. Sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hours of operation (in English and Spanish) are from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (ET).

Advocates for Youth advocatesforyouth.orgLinks to an external site.

Advocates for Youth champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

Bedsider Bedsider.orgLinks to an external site.

Information about birth control methods operated by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

I Wanna Know iwannaknow.orgLinks to an external site.

Information for young people about sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Love is Louder loveislouder.comLinks to an external site.

Information and real stories for dealing with harassment, depression, suicide or emotional issues. If you or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed right now, you aren’t alone. To have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor 24/7, text HOME to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Love is Respect: National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY

Available 24 hours a day by phone or online at www.loveisrespect.orgLinks to an external site.. The National Dating Abuse Helpline is a national resource that can be accessed by phone or the internet, specifically designed for teens and young adults. The Helpline and loveisrespect.orgLinks to an external site. offer real-time one-on-one support from trained peer advocates. Peer advocates are trained to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Available 24 hours a day, every day, in English and Spanish; victims and anyone calling on their behalf can provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service. You can also access 24/7 help online by visiting online.rainn.orgLinks to an external site..

National Coalition for Sexual Health ncshguide.orgLinks to an external site. Links to an external site.

Take Charge of your Sexual Health. This guide focuses on the preventive services that can help protect and improve your sexual health.

Planned Parenthood plannedparenthood.orgLinks to an external site.

Information about birth control, STDs, pregnancy, and more. Includes a health center locator to find your nearest Planned Parenthood health center for services.

- Planned Parenthood National Hotline 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)– available 24 hours a day Counseling for STDs, pregnancy and other sexual health issues.
- Planned Parenthood Info For Teens plannedparenthood.org/teensLinks to an external site. Information just for teens about puberty, sex, relationships, and more. Interactive games and quizzes, and an "Ask The Experts" blog.
- Planned Parenthood Chat/Text plannedparenthood.org/chat Links to an external site.Chat with health educators to answer your questions about birth control, the morning-after pill, STD testing, and pregnancy testing. Or text "IYSL" to 774636 (PPINFO).