How Often Should You Get a Sexual Health Check-Up?

In the UK, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are quite prevalent. Many STIs will not cause long-term harm if diagnosed and treated promptly. However, some infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and HPV, can have lasting health effects and may require long-term management. Regular testing for STIs is crucial because you need to know you have an STI in order for treatment to take place.

"If you are sexually active, doctors generally suggest testing for STIs once a year—regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms or are in a long-term, monogamous relationship."

Who Is Most at Risk for STIs?

If you are sexually active and engage in sexual intercourse, you can contract an STI. Your risk increases when having casual or new partners. Even if you use a condom, you are still at risk because many STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or other sexual activities.

Certain groups may be at higher risk due to behavioural, social, and structural factors:

• People with multiple partners
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Young people aged 15–24
• Some ethnic minority groups
• Sex workers
• Trans women

How Often Should You Get Screened?

Testing frequency should always be tailored to personal risk factors:

• Screen for STIs with every partner change
• Get screened minimum once a year if sexually active
• Test every 3 months if you have multiple partners
• Test every 3 months if you're a man who has sex with men
• Both partners should get tested when beginning a new relationship
• Test immediately if you have symptoms like rashes or unusual discharge
• Test after unprotected sex with someone of unknown STI status

Window Periods for STI Testing

STIs do not show up in testing straight away. There is a time period between being infected and when it will show up in testing—this is known as the window period. If a test is conducted within the window period, it may not detect an early infection.

After Unprotected Sex

If you've had unprotected sex, it's best to speak to a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. They may advise an initial test now (to check for infections already present) and repeat tests after the relevant window periods for conclusive results. You may have to repeat tests at different times depending on which infections you're testing for.

STI Symptoms to Watch For

There are multiple symptoms that could suggest STIs:

• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus (unusual colour, consistency or smell)
• Painful urination
• Lumps, growths or warts around the genitals and anus
• Rashes, blisters or sores around the genitals and anus
• Itching and irritation around the genitals and anus
• For women: bleeding between periods or after intercourse

Final Thoughts

It is necessary to undergo routine sexual health check-ups as early detection, treatment and reassurance are beneficial. Given risks vary depending on lifestyle and partners, check-ups should be tailored to individual needs.

By remaining informed, listening to your body, recognising symptoms, and seeking timely care, you have better protection for both you and your partner's health.