Which STI Tests Should I Get?

by: Kelsie Madden Williams, Program Director, AAEKY & Kyla Horn, Program Manager, AAEKY

In the midst of a global pandemic, it is crucial now more than ever to prioritize health and well-being. While COVID-19 has become the focus of many areas of health concern, it is also important to recognize the negative impact such an event can have on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Rates of STI’s have been increasing gradually over the last few years. The CDC predicts that currently, nearly 1 in 5 people have an STI on any given day. 

Seeking guidance from a trusted health care provider, knowing your individual risk, as well as actively participating in safe sex practices all play a major role in protecting your SRH health. Living with an untreated STI has the potential to lead to serious health consequences. Remember, STIs can happen to anyone who is sexually active. If you are, you have more than likely heard, “Use protection and get tested to stay safe.” But what type of STI testing do you need?

People with a Cervix:

  • < 25 years old: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Hepatitis C

  • At high risk: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex VirusV, Trich, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

  • Pregnant: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

People with a Penis:

  • Have penis in vagina sex: HIV

  • Have penis in vagina sex & are at high risk: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

  • Have penis in rectum/anus sex: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

Source: Adapted from Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines

Sexually active individuals who don’t have any symptoms should get screened at least annually, but potentially more frequently based on their individual risk of infection. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk of infection and how often you should be screened for STIs. 


Are you a young person looking for resources? Tellyourpartner.org is a website where you can send an anonymous text message letting a partner know they’ve been exposed to an STI. Visit Bedsider.org, the world’s largest online birth control support network. Check out BCBenefits, a contraceptive access fund, to see if you’re qualified for free birth control! 

If you live in Kentucky and are currently uninsured (or do not want to use your parent’s insurance), you could be eligible for:

  • a free virtual birth control visit with one of our telehealth partners and a free one-year supply of the birth control pill mailed directly to you

  • reimbursement for an in-person visit with any health provider to get the birth control method of your choice

  • free roundtrip ride to cover travel to and from an in-person appointment

If you live in Kentucky and are currently insured, you may qualify for:

  • a free roundtrip ride to cover travel to and from a birth control appointment with your healthcare provider


Are you a provider looking for resources? Get certified in One Key Question®, a patient-centered framework for healthcare providers, social service providers, and champions to routinely ask their patients about pregnancy desires and goals and offer personalized counseling and care. Visit Bedsider Providers (sign up here for our newsletter) to stay in the know about new research, methods, and clinical perspectives.