If you’re sexually active, contracting an STD, STI or HIV is likely if you’re not taking preventative measures. To be sure you’re not passing an infection to your partner, it’s best to be tested regularly. The following are behaviors that increase your chances of getting HIV, STDs or STIs. Talk to a health care provider about a testing schedule that is right for you.
If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you or if you or your partner have had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV, and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.
For women who plan to become pregnant, testing is even more important. If a woman is infected with HIV, medical care and certain drugs given during pregnancy can lower the chance of passing HIV to her baby. All women who are pregnant should be tested during pregnancy.
If you have had sex with someone who has a history of sex partners that do not use protection, you may be at risk to be infected with an STD or STI. Some infections may have noticeable symptoms while others go undetected. It’s best to get checked regularly with your partner to ensure safe intercourse and a healthy reproductive system.