How often to test

We've all been there. Taking risks is part of life. How bad is it? Should you get tested? If you are in a sexually active period, or running other risks, you should consider testing yourself regularly.

How often should you test?

Do the check! keyboard_arrow_right

When should you test?

Any sexually active person should protect themselves and their partners by testing once per year. Condoms don't 100% protect you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Many people forget that oral and anal contact are also unsafe when done without protection.

Additionally, test yourself if you:

• Want to start clean after coming out of a relationship
• Plan to stop using condoms when dating turns into a relationship
• Are considering becoming pregnant (or as a man: planning to have a baby with your partner)
• Have symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease
• Have been in touch with blood from untrusted sources
• Were raped or sexually abused (stating the obvious: please also find professional support)

Get tested every 6 months when you:

• Are having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Frequently use drugs or alcohol to the point where it's hard to remember what you did

Test for STDs every 3 months if you:

Use needle drugs Are a sex worker Are under 25 and have recently cured from Chlamydia