Many STDs are quite common but do not cause any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. However, despite being asymptomatic, infected individuals can still transmit the STD onto any sexual partners. In addition, if the STD is left untreated, serious health complications can occur.
CDC recommendations for STD testing include:
- Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in females 25 years and younger
- Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea during each pregnancy
- Routine screening for chlamydia in men who have sex with men and high-prevalence settings
- Annual screening for gonorrhea in males 25 years and younger
- Screening for trichomoniasis in females with abnormal vaginal discharge
- HIV testing at least once for everyone 13 - 64 years, with annual screening in higher risk populations and screening during each pregnancy
- Anybody potentially exposed to HIV should be tested immediately and again at six weeks, three months, and six months post-exposure
- Hepatitis B testing in individuals born in countries with high prevalence, as well as during pregnancy and in high-risk populations
- Hepatitis C testing at least once and during each pregnancy (except in populations where the prevalence of HCV is less than 0.1%), as well as routine testing in high-risk populations
- Syphilis testing in anyone showing suggestive signs of syphilis, as well as during pregnancy and in high-risk populations