STI testing: how often should you get tested?

Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms, especially early on. Regular testing is the only way to catch them early, treat them easily and avoid passing them on. But how often?

Why the rhythm matters

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis can go unnoticed for weeks or months. Left untreated, some can lead to complications. The good news: most are very treatable, and a test takes a few minutes.

What rhythm for your situation?

These general guidelines are inspired by French and international recommendations. Your healthcare professional can adapt them to your history.

Your situation	Suggested rhythm
Everyone	An HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C test at least once in your life
New partner, or stopping condoms in a relationship	A test, respecting the windows below
Several partners in a year	At least once a year
Multiple partners among men who have sex with men or trans people	Every 3 months
On PrEP	Every 3 months, as part of follow-up
Sexually active young women	Regular chlamydia screening is recommended

How long to wait after a risk

A test taken too early can come back negative even though the infection is there. Here are rough timeframes:

Infection	Test	From
HIV	Laboratory blood test	about 6 weeks
HIV	Self-test or rapid test	3 months
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea	Swab or urine (PCR)	about 2 weeks
Syphilis	Blood test	about 6 weeks
Hepatitis B and C	Blood test	6 weeks to 3 months

Depending on the situation, a first test may be offered earlier and repeated later.

Where to get tested

• Sexual health clinics: in many countries testing is free and can be anonymous. In France, look for a CeGIDD.
• Laboratories: in France, an HIV test can be done without a prescription and is covered by health insurance, and several STIs can also be tested without a prescription, fully covered for under-26s under current conditions.
• Your GP, a midwife or a sexual health centre: they can prescribe a full check-up.
• HIV self-tests: available in pharmacies, reliable 3 months after a risk.

Check your local sexual health services for what is available where you live.

Scheduling tests with heatmeUp

In heatmeUp’s health module, you can:

• log each test (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis);
• create recurring reminders: every 3 months, 6 months, 1 year…;
• get a suggestion when your last test is more than 90 days old and you have had encounters since, or more than a year old otherwise.

Your history stays on your phone, and you can export it to show a healthcare professional.

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Sources

1. World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexually transmitted infections
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — STI screening recommendations
3. Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS, France) — HIV and STI screening
4. Santé publique France — Sexosafe

ⓘ This guide is for information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, talk to a healthcare professional.