Protect Yourself — Get Tested
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are all sexually transmitted diseases. Any sexually active person can become infected by these diseases. All three diseases are transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
To prevent infection:
- Avoid sex or be in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
- A condom and other protection barriers, such as dental dams, should be used for oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- If infected, get treated and ensure all of your partners are treated to avoid reinfection
Should I get tested?
Anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STDs. More specifically,
- Sexually active women under the age of 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea annually
- Women older than 25 with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partners who has an STD, should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea annually
- All pregnant women should be tested for chlamydia and syphilis, and pregnant women at increased risk should be tested for gonorrhea
- All sexually active men who have sex with men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least annually
- Men who have sex with men who have multiple or anonymous sex partners should be tested for STDs every 3 to 6 months
To find out if you are at risk for HIV and other diseases, take our Know Your Risk Assessment.
Click here to find out where you can get tested in your area