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Wellness

National Get Tested Day: What Everyone Should Know About STI Screening

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

About one in five U.S. adults has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because many STIs cause few or no symptoms.

That’s why getting tested is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others.

Sept. 30 is National Get Tested Day, a reminder that sexual health is a crucial part of overall health.

Routine STI testing is a normal part of preventive healthcare for many people, even when they feel healthy and have no symptoms.

Here’s what you need to know about common STIs, when to get tested, and how to reduce your risk of infection.

Common STIs to know about

Several STIs are common in the United States. Many of these can be treated, or even cured, if found early.

  • Chlamydia: The most commonly reported STI in the U.S. Many people have no symptoms, but untreated infections can lead to serious health problems, including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Gonorrhea: The second most commonly reported STI, gonorrhea often causes no symptoms, especially in women. It can affect the genitals, rectum, or throat. It is curable, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.
  • Syphilis: Syphilis cases have increased in recent years, including passing to newborns during pregnancy. Without treatment, it can become more serious and affect the brain, eyes, and other organs. It is curable with penicillin.
  • Trichomoniasis: A common, curable STI caused by a parasite. About 70% of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms.
  • Genital herpes (HSV): A common STI that may cause mild or no symptoms. There is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms and lower frequency of outbreaks.
  • HIV: HIV is treatable and with modern treatments, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Early detection is key, and medications like PrEP can help prevent HIV in people at higher risk.
  • Mycoplasma genitalium: A lesser-known STI that can affect the urinary and reproductive systems. Like many STIs, it may not cause symptoms.

Who should be tested, and how often?

How often you should be tested depends on your age, sexual activity, and risk factors. Current recommendations include:

  • All sexually active women under 25: annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
  • Women 25+ with risk factors (new or multiple partners, partner with an STI).
  • Men who have sex with men: at least annually (more often, every 3-6 months, with ongoing risk), at all exposure sites.
  • All sexually active people 13–64: HIV testing at least once; annually if higher risk.
  • Pregnant people: screening at the first prenatal visit.
  • Anyone with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI.

Not sure whether you should be tested? Talk to your healthcare clinician  for guidance based on your health history and risk factors.

What to expect during STI testing

If you've never been tested before, the good news is the process is typically quick and simple.

  • Testing is fast, often involving just a urine sample or swab. You might even be able to collect the swab yourself in some settings.
  • Today’s STI tests are highly accurate.
  • Care is confidential, affordable, and judgment-free.

Ways to prevent STIs

In addition to routine testing, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of STIs.

  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.
  • Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including HPV and hepatitis A and B, if appropriate for you.
  • Ask your healthcare clinician about HIV PrEP if you’re at increased risk.
  • Get tested regularly and encourage partners to get tested too.

Know your status

National Get Tested Day is a good reminder that regular screening is an important part of staying healthy. Since many STIs cause few or no symptoms, testing is often the only way to know if you have one. Getting tested can help you get treated early, protect your health, and reduce the risk of passing an infection to others.

Looking for STI testing or other sexual health services? Beebe Health Suite at CAMP Rehoboth provides confidential, judgment-free care, including HIV/STI screening, education, prevention services, and referrals. Make an appointment or learn more about the Beebe Health Suite.