Sexual health is vital to your overall well-being. If you are sexually active, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is important to protect your health.
STIs spread through different forms of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some infections spread through bodily fluids, while others spread through skin-to-skin contact. Because every STI behaves differently, your provider will recommend testing based on your personal health, symptoms and sexual history.
Why Testing Matters
Many STIs do not cause noticeable symptoms at first. You can feel completely fine and still have an infection. Without testing and treatment, some STIs may cause long-term health problems, including pelvic pain, fertility issues or complications during pregnancy.
Testing helps you:
- Catch infections early
- Start treatment right away
- Protect your partners
- Protect your reproductive health
- Understand how to reduce your risk moving forward
Regular testing paired with safer-sex practices offers the best protection for you and your partners.
When to Get Tested
You should consider getting tested if you:
- Are sexually active
- Have a new partner
- Have multiple partners
- Are pregnant
- Have symptoms such as itching, unusual discharge, burning with urination, sores or pelvic pain
- Were told that a current or former partner tested positive
- Had unprotected sex
Even without symptoms, many women benefit from regular testing as part of their preventive health.
Prevention and Reducing Risk
While no method is 100% effective, there are simple ways to lower your risk:
- Use condoms correctly and consistently.
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
- Talk openly with partners about testing.
- Avoid sharing sex toys unless they are cleaned properly or covered with a new condom.
- Get vaccinated when recommended, such as for HPV.
- Schedule routine screening with your provider.
Your Women’s Health provider can help you understand which prevention strategies are right for you.
Common STIs
Your healthcare provider may test for several different infections depending on your age, sexual activity and symptoms.
- Chlamydia: Often has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if untreated
- Gonorrhea: May cause discharge or pain, but many people have no symptoms
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Can increase the risk of cervical cancer if not vaccinated
- Syphilis: Progressively causes severe health issues if not treated early
- Herpes (HSV): Causes recurrent sores and is managed through medications
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Weakens the immune system over time, but can be managed with ongoing treatment.
Your provider will help determine which tests are right for you.
What to Expect During Testing
STI testing at Phelps Health is private, safe and straightforward. Depending on what your physician or provider recommends, testing may include:
- A urine sample
- A blood test
- A vaginal, cervical, oral or rectal swab
- A brief physical exam if symptoms are present
Most tests take only a few minutes, and results are usually available within a few days.
If Your Test Is Positive
If your test results show that you have an STI, your physician or provider will review your diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan, which may include:
- Prescription medication, often antibiotics or antiviral therapy
- Taking all medications as directed, even if symptoms improve
- Avoiding sexual activity until treatment is completed
- Notifying recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, if needed
Some infections require follow-up testing to confirm treatment was successful. Your provider will guide you through the next steps and support you throughout the process.
Your Care at Phelps Health
Phelps Health offers confidential, judgment-free testing and treatment options for women of all ages. Our providers take the time to listen, answer questions and help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. We encourage you to talk with your care team if you have concerns, symptoms or simply want to know which screenings are right for you.