Specific STI & STD Guidelines
If you've recently acquired HIV, AIDS, syphilis or hepatitis A,B, or C, you may test negative initially.
STD Testing for HIV, AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis A, B and C detect antibodies that your body produces in response to one of these infections. It may take days or several weeks, depending on your immune system, to identify these infections.
If you believe you've been exposed and test negative, it is recommended that you are re-tested after your body has had more time to react.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia have similar symptoms, but unfortunately often have no symptoms at all.
Each of these infections is caused by different bacteria and must be treated separately.
Annual screening is recommended if:
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You're sexually active under age 25
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You're older than 25 and at risk of STDs or STIs for the following reasons:
- You have a new sex partner or more than one sex partner
- You have sex with someone who has or recently had other sex partners
- You do not use condoms during sex within a relationship where one or both partners are having sex with others.
- You're a man who has sex with men
Hepatitis A, B, and C affect liver function and can lead to severe liver damage and liver cancer. While some cases of hepatitis A can be transmitted through water or food that is contaminated with fecal matter, often, all forms of hepatitis are transmitted through sexual contact or needle sharing.
Vaccinations are available to help prevent Hepatitis A, B, and C.
Get tested for HIV, AIDS syphilis and hepatitis A, B or C if you:
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Have tested positive for gonorrhea or Chlamydia. These diseases significantly increase your risk of acquiring other STDs and STIs.
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Use intravenous (IV) drugs or share needles or syringes
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Believe you may have been exposed
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Are a man who has sex with men
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Have consumed food or water contaminated (or potentially contaminated) with fecal matter.
- This most often occurs in areas where adequate running water and plumbing facilities are unavailable. Although often associated with third-world countries, these conditions can also be prevalent after natural disasters.
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