STI Testing - Public Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common. In fact, over half of people in the U.S. will get an STI at some point in their lives.

 

Key points to remember

• Health professionals recommend having a routine screening test for STIs if you have a high risk of infection. For example, you're at high risk if you're younger than 25 and sexually active, or if you've had more than one partner in the past year. Healthcare providers suggest STI tests for all pregnant women, no matter their risk levels.
• Some STIs don't cause symptoms, or they can cause symptoms that go away. So, unless you have a test, you may not know that you have an STI.
• STI testing helps detect an infection early on. If you're aware you have an infection, you can receive treatment and prevent passing it on to others.
• Left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious problems. For example, if a woman has an STI when she gives birth, her newborn may have the disease.
• If your test shows that you have an STI, you will need to inform your sex partner(s) so that they can be tested.
• Some STIs can be cured with treatment. Others can't be cured, but treatment can help with symptoms.

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Supporting information

Updated February 11, 2025, by the Public Health STI Unit, jmwinchell [at] shastacounty.gov (jmwinchell[at]shastacounty[dot]gov)

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