<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xml:base="https://medlineplus.gov/" xml:lang="en">
  <title type="text">MedlinePlus Connect</title>
  <updated>2025-07-18T13:52:46Z</updated>
  <id/>
  <author>
    <name>U.S. National Library of Medicine</name>
    <uri>https://www.nlm.nih.gov</uri>
  </author>
  <subtitle type="text">MedlinePlus Connect results for LOINC 50387-0</subtitle>
  <category scheme="mainSearchCriteria.v.c" term="50387-0"/>
  <category scheme="mainSearchCriteria.v.cs" term="LOINC"/>
  <category scheme="mainSearchCriteria.v.dn" term=""/>
  <category scheme="informationRecipient" term="PAT"/>
  <entry>
    <title>Chlamydia Test</title>
    <link href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/chlamydia-test?utm_source=mplusconnect&amp;utm_medium=service" rel="alternate"/>
    <id>tag: medlineplus.gov, 2025-18-07:/lab-tests/chlamydia-test</id>
    <summary type="html">
&lt;h2&gt;What is a chlamydia test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a data-tid="1307" href="https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;Chlamydia&lt;/a&gt; is a common &lt;a data-tid="158" href="https://medlineplus.gov/bacterialinfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;bacterial&lt;/a&gt;&#160;&lt;a data-tid="400" href="https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;sexually transmitted infection&lt;/a&gt; (STI), especially in sexually active people younger than age 25. You can get a chlamydia infection through sexual contact. This includes having vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom with a partner who has chlamydia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A chlamydia test checks a sample of fluid from your body to look for the bacteria that causes chlamydia. The type of fluid depends on the part of your body that may be infected. Your sample may be:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Urine (pee)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fluid that's swabbed from your:

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rectum (the last part of your intestine that connects to the anus)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vagina&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so you may spread the disease to others without even knowing you have it. If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can give the infection to your baby during childbirth. Chlamydia can cause &lt;a data-tid="363" href="https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;pneumonia&lt;/a&gt;&#160;and eye problems in babies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chlamydia can be cured with &lt;a data-tid="222" href="https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;antibiotics&lt;/a&gt;. But if it's not treated, it can cause serious, lasting health problems, even if you don't have symptoms:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In women&lt;/strong&gt;, untreated chlamydia can cause &lt;a data-tid="3044" href="https://medlineplus.gov/pelvicinflammatorydisease.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;pelvic inflammatory disease&lt;/a&gt; (PID). PID can permanently damage the female reproductive system and may cause &lt;a data-tid="5654" href="https://medlineplus.gov/femaleinfertility.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;infertility&lt;/a&gt;&#160;(problems getting pregnant).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In men&lt;/strong&gt;, untreated chlamydia can lead to swelling and pain in the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles (male sex glands that produce sperm, also called testes). It can also cause &lt;a data-tid="5656" href="https://medlineplus.gov/maleinfertility.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;infertility&lt;/a&gt;&#160;(problems getting someone pregnant), but this rarely happens.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A chlamydia test helps find the disease early so you can get treatment before you develop lasting health problems or spread the disease to others.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other names: Chlamydia NAAT or NAT, Chlamydia/GC STD Panel, Chlamydia Culture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What is it used for?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you're sexually active, a chlamydia test is used to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Check for a chlamydia infection when you &lt;strong&gt;don't&lt;/strong&gt; have symptoms&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Diagnose or rule out chlamydia when you do have symptoms&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Symptoms of chlamydia may include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;An unusual fluid discharge from your genitals (penis or vagina) or rectum&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Irritation or itching around your genitals&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain or burning when you urinate (pee)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain or bleeding in your rectum&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;In men, pain and swelling in one or both testicles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chlamydia tests are often done with other &lt;a data-pid="33023" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sexually-transmitted-infection-sti-tests/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;STI tests&lt;/a&gt; because people often have more than one STI at the same time. For example, many people who have chlamydia also have &lt;a data-tid="3019" href="https://medlineplus.gov/gonorrhea.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;gonorrhea&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have chlamydia, you'll be tested again three months after you finish treatment. That's because it's common to get chlamydia again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Why do I need a chlamydia test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If your sex partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia or if you have symptoms that could mean you have a chlamydia infection, you will need to be tested. But chlamydia usually doesn't cause symptoms. So, getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an infection. That's why medical experts recommend routine screening tests if you have a high risk of getting chlamydia:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you are a sexually active woman&lt;/strong&gt;, you should get tested for chlamydia at least every year if you:
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are younger than age 25&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Are age 25 or older and have a high risk of infection because you have:
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A new sex partner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;More than one sex partner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A sex partner who has sex with other people&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A sex partner who has an STI&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Have &lt;a data-tid="1" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hiv.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;HIV&lt;/a&gt;&#160;(You should be tested for chlamydia the first time you see your provider for HIV care. After that you should be tested at least once a year. But you may need to get tested more often if your sexual activity increases your risk of getting chlamydia.)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you are pregnant&lt;/strong&gt;, ask your health care provider about chlamydia testing at your first &lt;a data-tid="6" href="https://medlineplus.gov/prenatalcare.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;prenatal visit&lt;/a&gt;. The test is often included with routine &lt;a data-tid="3091" href="https://medlineplus.gov/prenataltesting.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;prenatal tests&lt;/a&gt;. You should be tested if you are younger than age 25. If you are older than age 25, you should be tested if you have a high risk of getting chlamydia.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man&lt;/strong&gt;, you should get tested for chlamydia at least every year. But you will need to get tested more frequently (every 3 to 6 months) if you have:
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;More than one sex partner&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A sex partner who has sex with other people&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Anonymous sex (having sex with people you don't know)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;HIV or take &lt;a data-tid="7347" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hivprepandpep.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;PrEP medicine&lt;/a&gt;&#160;to prevent HIV&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you are a heterosexual (straight) man:&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Medical experts don't suggest routine testing for chlamydia if you have no symptoms and a low risk of infection.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If you have HIV, you should be tested for chlamydia the first time you see your provider for HIV care. After that you should be tested at least once a year. But you may need to be tested more often if your sexual activity increases your risk of getting chlamydia.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The best testing schedule for you may be different than the recommendations. So have an honest talk with your provider about your sexual activity to help them figure out how often you should get tested.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What happens during a chlamydia test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To do a chlamydia test, you will need to provide a sample of fluid from the part of your body that may be infected. There are two ways to gather the sample:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;For a &lt;strong&gt;first-catch urine sample&lt;/strong&gt;, you'll use a sterile cup to collect urine from the very first part of your urine stream. To get an accurate test result, you will need to avoid urinating for two hours before the test.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;For a &lt;strong&gt;swab sample&lt;/strong&gt;, your provider will use a special swab or brush to collect cells, usually from your genital area. You may feel some brief discomfort. Your provider may give you the choice to swab yourself. In certain cases, fluid may be swabbed from your rectum, throat, eyes, or cervix (the lower part of the uterus).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Test results are usually ready in a day. There are some rapid chlamydia tests that can provide results in 90 minutes or less.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can also buy &lt;a data-pid="31381" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/at-home-medical-tests/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;at-home tests&lt;/a&gt;&#160;for chlamydia and other STIs. With these tests, you collect a swab or urine sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. It's important to follow all the instructions carefully and discuss your test results with your provider.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You should &lt;strong&gt;not&lt;/strong&gt; use an at-home test if you have symptoms of chlamydia or if your partner has chlamydia. In that case, it's important to talk with your provider right away so you don't delay treatment. Ask your provider whether at-home chlamydia testing is right for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Preparations for a chlamydia test depend on the type of sample you will be providing. You may need to avoid antibiotic medicines and vaginal douches and creams for 24 hours before your test. But don't stop taking any medicines without talking with your provider first. Ask your provider if there are any special instructions for your test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Are there any risks to the test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are no known risks to having a chlamydia test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What do the results mean?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A &lt;strong&gt;negative test result&lt;/strong&gt; means that you did not have a chlamydia infection when the sample was collected.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A &lt;strong&gt;positive test result&lt;/strong&gt; means you have been infected with chlamydia.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have chlamydia, you will need to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Take antibiotics to treat your infection.&lt;/strong&gt; Your provider will tell you how to take your medicine. To make sure your infection is cured, follow the instructions carefully and finish all the medicine.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tell your sexual partner/s that you have chlamydia&lt;/strong&gt; so that they can be tested and treated if necessary.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get retested for chlamydia three months after you finish treatment.&lt;/strong&gt; That's because repeat infections are very common. Ask your provider to tell you how often to get tested after that.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Learn more about &lt;a data-pid="806" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Is there anything else I need to know about a chlamydia test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The most reliable way to prevent chlamydia is not to have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But if you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia and other STIs by:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Having sex with only one partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy). But first, both of you should get tested for chlamydia and other STIs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. If your or your partner is &lt;a data-tid="1439" href="https://medlineplus.gov/latexallergy.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;allergic to latex&lt;/a&gt;, you can use polyurethane condoms.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h2&gt;References&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About Chlamydia 2024 Feb 20 [cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2021 STD Treatment Guidelines: Chlamydial Infections [reviewed; 2021 Jul 22; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/chlamydia.htm?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/chlamydia.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2021 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines: Screening Recommendations and Considerations Referenced in Treatment Guidelines and Original Sources; [reviewed 2024 Mar 22; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 14 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diseases and Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Chlamydia; [reviewed 2023 Feb 6; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 23 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diseases and Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Epididymitis; [reviewed 2024 Oct 10; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17697-epididymitis?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17697-epididymitis&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;em&gt;Eunice Kennedy Shriver&lt;/em&gt; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; What are some types of and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?; [reviewed 2024 May 29; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 11 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/types#Chlamydia?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/types#Chlamydia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Chlamydia trachomatis; 2024 Sep 12; [cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355355?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355355&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Urinalysis; 2023 Oct 24 [cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 11 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck &amp;amp; Co., Inc.; c2024. Urinalysis and Urine Culture; [reviewed 2024 Jan; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/diagnosis-of-kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/urinalysis-and-urine-culture?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/diagnosis-of-kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/urinalysis-and-urine-culture&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MyHealthfinder. [Internet]. Washington D.C.: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services; Get Tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea; [updated 2024 Jan19; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/hiv-and-other-stds/get-tested-chlamydia-and-gonorrhea#the-basics-tab?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/hiv-and-other-stds/get-tested-chlamydia-and-gonorrhea#the-basics-tab&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2024. Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests of 2023; [modified 2023 Sep 27; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 22 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/at-home-chlamydia-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.testing.com/tests/at-home-chlamydia-test/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Chlamydia Testing; [modified 2022 Aug 19; cited 2024 Nov 8]; [about 11 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/chlamydia-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.testing.com/tests/chlamydia-test/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

</summary>
    <updated>2025-07-18T13:52:46Z</updated>
  </entry>
  <entry>
    <title>Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Tests</title>
    <link href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sexually-transmitted-infection-sti-tests?utm_source=mplusconnect&amp;utm_medium=service" rel="alternate"/>
    <id>tag: medlineplus.gov, 2025-18-07:/lab-tests/sexually-transmitted-infection-sti-tests</id>
    <summary type="html">
&lt;h2&gt;What are STI tests?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;STIs (&lt;a data-tid="400" href="https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;sexually transmitted infections&lt;/a&gt;) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes, they can spread through other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STIs, like &lt;a data-tid="5863" href="https://medlineplus.gov/genitalherpes.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;herpes&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a data-tid="1715" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hpv.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;HPV&lt;/a&gt;&#160;(human papillomavirus), are spread by skin-to-skin contact.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other ways that &lt;strong&gt;some&lt;/strong&gt; STIs may be spread include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Through close personal contact, such as kissing&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a data-tid="3154" href="https://medlineplus.gov/infectionsandpregnancy.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;During pregnancy&lt;/a&gt; to the fetus or during &lt;a data-tid="305" href="https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;childbirth&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;During &lt;a data-tid="175" href="https://medlineplus.gov/breastfeeding.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;breastfeeding&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Through &lt;a data-tid="1211" href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodtransfusionanddonation.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;blood transfusions&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;By sharing needles&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Certain &lt;a data-tid="158" href="https://medlineplus.gov/bacterialinfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;bacteria&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a data-tid="454" href="https://medlineplus.gov/viralinfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;viruses&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a data-tid="482" href="https://medlineplus.gov/parasiticdiseases.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;parasites&lt;/a&gt; cause STIs. Millions of Americans get an STI every year, and many of those infections are in teens and young adults. Common STIs include &lt;a data-tid="1307" href="https://medlineplus.gov/chlamydiainfections.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;chlamydia&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a data-tid="3019" href="https://medlineplus.gov/gonorrhea.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;gonorrhea&lt;/a&gt;, genital herpes, &lt;a data-tid="1" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hiv.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;HIV&lt;/a&gt;, and HPV infection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Left untreated, certain STIs can cause long-term health problems such as &lt;a data-tid="165" href="https://medlineplus.gov/visionimpairmentandblindness.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;blindness&lt;/a&gt;, brain damage, &lt;a data-tid="250" href="https://medlineplus.gov/infertility.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;infertility&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a data-tid="1127" href="https://medlineplus.gov/birthdefects.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;birth defects&lt;/a&gt;, and even death. Fortunately, all STIs can be treated, and some can be cured. However, that doesn't prevent you from getting infected again if you don't take steps to prevent infection. STI testing can help you get diagnosed and treated so you may avoid serious complications.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other names: STD screening, STI (sexually transmitted infection) tests, STI screening, STD testing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What are they used for?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;STI tests are used to find out if you have been infected with an STI. Testing can help you get the treatment you need and may help prevent the spread of infection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Why do I need an STI test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;STIs don't always cause symptoms, so catching or spreading an infection is possible even if you or your partner seem healthy. That's why STI screening tests are important. They look for diseases before you have symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anyone who is sexually active could get an STI. So talk to your health care provider about your risk for HIV and other STIs and whether you need to be tested. If you are sexually active, you might consider getting a yearly test for &lt;a data-pid="808" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hiv-screening-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;HIV&lt;/a&gt;. Other STI testing is mostly recommended for people who are at higher risk for certain STIs:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sexually active women under the age of 25.&lt;/strong&gt; Experts recommend that women in this age group get a &lt;a data-pid="716" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/chlamydia-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;chlamydia test&lt;/a&gt; and a &lt;a data-pid="886" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/gonorrhea-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;gonorrhea test&lt;/a&gt;&#160;every year. Sexually active women 25 years and older should be tested if they have new or multiple sex partners or have a partner who has been diagnosed with an STI.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Women 21 to 30 years old.&lt;/strong&gt; Women in this age group should get a &lt;a data-pid="706" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/pap-smear/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;Pap smear&lt;/a&gt;&#160;to check for cell changes in the cervix that could become cancer if not treated. These can be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Women 30 years and older.&lt;/strong&gt; Women in this age group should talk to their provider about whether to get a Pap smear, HPV test, or both.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;If you are pregnant&lt;/strong&gt;, you will usually be &lt;a data-tid="1470" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hivandpregnancy.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;tested for HIV&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a data-tid="1687" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisb.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;hepatitis B&lt;/a&gt;, chlamydia, and &lt;a data-tid="3017" href="https://medlineplus.gov/syphilis.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;syphilis&lt;/a&gt;. If you are pregnant and have certain risk factors, you may also be tested for gonorrhea and &lt;a data-tid="1286" href="https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisc.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;hepatitis C&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sexually active men and women who have unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and have more than one sexual partner.&lt;/strong&gt; They should be tested regularly for HIV and other STIs as recommended by their provider.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Men who have sex with men.&lt;/strong&gt; Compared with other groups, men who have sex with men and bisexual men have a higher risk of STIs. Men in this group should be tested at least once a year for &lt;a data-pid="828" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/syphilis-tests/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;syphilis&lt;/a&gt;, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Men with multiple partners may benefit from more frequent testing.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;People with HIV.&lt;/strong&gt; If you have HIV, you are at higher risk of getting another STI. People in this group should be tested for syphilis, gonorrhea, and &lt;a data-pid="892" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;herpes&lt;/a&gt;. A chlamydia test is also usually recommended.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;People who use injectable drugs.&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing needles puts you at risk for HIV. Regular HIV testing is recommended for this group.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some STIs do not cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. Symptoms vary depending on the type of STI, but you may need testing if you have one or more of the following symptoms:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Painful or frequent urination (peeing)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pain during sex&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Unusual odor in vaginal discharge&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Vaginal itching&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Discharge and/or itching from the penis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sores or bumps in the genital or rectal area&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Blisters or sores in or around the mouth&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Even without symptoms, STIs can still be harmful and may be passed on to your partner during sex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What happens during an STI test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some STIs may be diagnosed during a physical exam, blood tests, or a microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Depending on the type of suspected infection, you may get one of the following types of tests:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blood tests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Used to diagnose syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and sometimes herpes.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;During the test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Urine tests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Used to diagnose &lt;a data-tid="4325" href="https://medlineplus.gov/trichomoniasis.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;trichomoniasis&lt;/a&gt;, chlamydia, and sometimes gonorrhea.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;During the test, you will provide a sterile sample of urine in a cup as instructed by your provider.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Swab tests&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Used to &lt;a data-pid="804" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;diagnose HPV&lt;/a&gt;, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;During the test, a provider will use a special swab to take a sample from the site of the infection. In women, samples may be taken from the vagina or cervix. In men, samples may be taken from the penis or urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a data-pid="722" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-analysis/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;Lumbar puncture&lt;/a&gt;, also known as a spinal tap&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;This is not a frequently used STI test, but it may be ordered if your provider thinks you have an advanced stage of syphilis or if a herpes infection has affected your brain or spinal cord.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;For this test, a provider will inject an anesthetic into your back so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Once the area is numb, the provider will insert a thin, hollow needle between two vertebrae in your lower spine. Vertebrae are the small bones that make up your spine. Your provider will then withdraw a small amount of fluid for testing.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You may also be able to check for STIs with an &lt;a data-pid="31381" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/at-home-medical-tests/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;at-home test&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/strong&gt; Home test kits are available for several STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis C.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;These tests usually involve using a device (lancet) to prick your finger for a drop of blood, collecting a urine sample, or taking an oral swab. You should discuss your at-home STI test results with your provider to see if you need further testing and/or treatment.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You don't need any special preparations for a blood test. Women may need to avoid douches and vaginal creams for 24 hours before a urine or swab test.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You may need to empty your bladder before a lumbar puncture.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Your provider will let you know if you need other preparations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Are there any risks to the test? &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are no known risks to having urine or swab tests.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you had a lumbar puncture, you may have pain or tenderness in your back where the needle was inserted. You may also get a headache after the procedure. The headache can last for several hours or up to a week or more, but your provider may suggest treatment to relieve the pain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;What do the results mean?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The test result will show whether you have an STI.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If you have an STI, be sure to take the medicine as prescribed by your provider. It's also very important that you tell your partner so they can get tested and treated if necessary. Some types of STIs can cause serious health problems if they are not treated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Learn more about &lt;a data-pid="806" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;Is there anything else I need to know about STI tests?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can take steps to help protect yourself from STIs. The only way to completely prevent them is by not having sex.  But if you do decide to have sex, you can lower your risk of getting an STI by:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Having you and your partner tested for STIs before having sex.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reducing your number of sex partners.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Being in a long-term relationship with "mutual monogamy" with just one partner who has tested negative for STIs. This means that you agree to be sexually active only with them, and they agree to be sexually active only with you.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. Correct use of condoms greatly reduces but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs. If you or your partner is &lt;a data-tid="1439" href="https://medlineplus.gov/latexallergy.html?utm_source=mplusconnect"&gt;allergic to latex&lt;/a&gt;, you can use polyurethane condoms.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h2&gt;References&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About Genital HPV Infection; [reviewed 2024 Feb 6; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About Gonorrhea; [reviewed 2024 Feb 15; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About STIs and Gay Men; [reviewed 2024 Feb 16; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-gay-men.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-gay-men.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About STIs and Pregnancy; [reviewed 2024 Feb 6; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-pregnancy.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-pregnancy.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Getting Tested for HIV; [reviewed 2024 Jan 18; cited 2024 Jun20]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) [updated 2024 Mar 25; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Getting Tested for STIs; [updated 2024 Apr 9; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; National Overview of STI's in 2023; [reviewed 2024 Jan 30; cited 2024 Jun 12]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/summary.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/summary.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021; [reviewed 2024 Mar 22; cited 2024 Jun 12]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/screening-recommendations.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diagnostics &amp;amp; Testing [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Blood Tests; [reviewed 2022 Dec 06; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24508-blood-tests?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24508-blood-tests&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diseases &amp;amp; Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Sexually Transmitted Infections; [reviewed 2023 Feb 3; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis#diagnosis-and-tests?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis#diagnosis-and-tests&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;HIV.gov [Internet]. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Understanding HIV Test Results; [updated 2023 Oct 27; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/understanding-hiv-test-results?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/understanding-hiv-test-results&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Chlamydia trachomatis: Diagnosis and treatment; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355355?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355355&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Overview; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumbar-puncture/about/pac-20394631?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumbar-puncture/about/pac-20394631&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Diagnosis and treatment; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Symptoms and causes; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. STD testing: What's right for you?; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Urinalysis: Overview; [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-20384907&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck &amp;amp; Co. Inc.; c2024. Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); [updated 2023 Feb; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/overview-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/overview-of-sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Merriam-Webster [Internet]. Springfield (MA): Merriam-Webster; c2024 Monogamy; [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogamy?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monogamy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States; Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH, editors. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2021 Mar 24. [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 17 screens]. B, STI Screening and Treatment Guidelines Issued by Health Professional Societies. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573163/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573163/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sexually Transmitted Infections; [reviewed 2024 Apr 12; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Pathogens and Syndromes; [reviewed 2024 Apr 10; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sti-pathogens-and-syndromes?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/sti-pathogens-and-syndromes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Nemours KidsHealth [Internet]. Jacksonville (FL): The Nemours Foundation; c1995-2024. Getting a Blood Test; [reviewed 2021 Sep; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-tests.html?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-tests.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA).: OneCare Media; c2024. Chlamydia Testing; [modified 2022 Aug 19; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/chlamydia-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.testing.com/tests/chlamydia-test/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
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&lt;li&gt;Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA).: OneCare Media; c2024. STD Testing; [updated 2022 Oct 4; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.testing.com/std-testing/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.testing.com/std-testing/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA).: OneCare Media; c2024. Syphilis Tests; [updated 2022 Sep 13; cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/syphilis-test/?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.testing.com/tests/syphilis-test/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Veryell Health [Internet]. New York: About, Inc.; c2024. 8 At-Home STD Tests for 2024; 2023 Mar 27 [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-at-home-std-tests-4798029?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-at-home-std-tests-4798029&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Verywell Health [Internet]. New York: About, Inc.; c2024. How STIs Are Diagnosed; 2021 Nov 4 [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/std-diagnosis-3133242?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.verywellhealth.com/std-diagnosis-3133242&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Verywell Health [Internet]. New York: About, Inc.; c2024. Signs and Symptoms of STIs; 2021 Sep 23 [cited 2024 Jun 11]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: &lt;a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/std-symptoms-4014439?utm_source=mplusconnect" target="bibliowin"&gt;https://www.verywellhealth.com/std-symptoms-4014439&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

</summary>
    <updated>2025-07-18T13:52:46Z</updated>
  </entry>
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