The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active women under the age of 25.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia often show no signs or symptoms at first. Therefore, you may have an STI without knowing it.

Left untreated, both gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to permanent damage of women’s reproductive systems.

You are at risk for an STI if you have had a sexual partner who has been sexually active with someone other than you, and the risk increases with every sexual partner you have.

You are also at risk of an STI with vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

STI testing makes it possible to start treatment right away if you have a positive result. Treatment is important so you do not spread the STI to your sexual partner.

The longer you wait to be tested, the greater the risk for lasting and more damaging complications. Therefore, if you have been or are in any sexual relationship that could put you at risk for contracting an STI, for your own health and your partner’s health, it is best to be tested regularly.