Should I get tested for STIs?

If you have sex, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. The test for gonorrhea and chlamydia is really simple; all you have to do is pee in a cup. (Another way to test for these STIs is a swab of the areas where you have sex, like your vagina, throat, or butt.) The test for HIV usually involves pricking a finger for a few drops of blood. You can even be tested for HIV anonymously. You may want to be tested for other STIs, like syphilis or hepatitis. Talk to your health care provider about which tests are a good idea for you based on your age and the types of sex you have. It’s also a good idea to get tested before you have sex with someone new—ask your new partner to get tested, too.