7 reasons everyone should get tested for STIs

Just because your partner has never had vaginal intercourse doesn't mean they can't have an STI. Some STIs such as HPV and syphilis are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Some sexually transmissible conditions may even be passed by casual affection between family members.

People who are married or in other mutually monogamous relationships often feel that they don't need STI testing. This is true only if everyone in the relationships was screened for STIs before beginning a sexual relationship.

Many people with STIs do not know they are infected. Screening before a sexual relationship begins can let everyone involved know where they stand and help avoid false accusations of cheating.

Some people don't bother getting tested for STIs once they are in a relationship and having unprotected sex. They may assume that it is too late to prevent an STI.

However, not all STIs are transmitted every time an infected person has sex. It is never too late to get tested or to start having safer sex.

No one wants to be diagnosed with an STI but it is much better to know whether or not you have an STI. Once you know, you can seek treatment.

It is important to know that certain STIs are much easier to treat when they are caught early.

Many people do not get tested because they do not have symptoms. However, STIs do not always cause symptoms. Being symptom-free is not a guarantee you do not have an STI. You can still pass an STI to others even when you do not have symptoms.

A good way to avoid transmitting STI to your partner is to get an STI test and receive treatment if you need it.

All untreated STIs can cause long-term health problems even when there are no initial symptoms. When caught early, many STIs can be treated before they can cause permanent problems.

Getting tested for STIs encourages honest communication with your sexual partner(s) about STI risks and safer sex. Unless you and your partner(s) have been tested, there is no way to know if you have infections you need to disclose.