Getting tested is one of the most responsible things you can do for your own health and your partners', yet many people don't know how often they should test or what the standard panel covers.
General guidelines vary by risk level. For people with one long-term partner, an annual test is a reasonable baseline. For those with multiple partners or new partners, every 3–6 months is commonly recommended. After unprotected sex with someone of unknown status, 2 weeks is the earliest most tests are accurate (later for HIV: 45 days for antibody tests, 10–14 days for RNA/antigen tests).
A standard STI panel typically includes: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Herpes testing is often not included unless you request it or have symptoms, because positive results are common and testing has limitations. HPV is not routinely tested in most countries for people without a cervix.
Most sexual health clinics and GPs offer free or low-cost testing. Home testing kits are also widely available and are accurate when used correctly.
If you've got specific questions about testing or results, feel free to ask here — this thread is here to help.
General guidelines vary by risk level. For people with one long-term partner, an annual test is a reasonable baseline. For those with multiple partners or new partners, every 3–6 months is commonly recommended. After unprotected sex with someone of unknown status, 2 weeks is the earliest most tests are accurate (later for HIV: 45 days for antibody tests, 10–14 days for RNA/antigen tests).
A standard STI panel typically includes: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Herpes testing is often not included unless you request it or have symptoms, because positive results are common and testing has limitations. HPV is not routinely tested in most countries for people without a cervix.
Most sexual health clinics and GPs offer free or low-cost testing. Home testing kits are also widely available and are accurate when used correctly.
If you've got specific questions about testing or results, feel free to ask here — this thread is here to help.