A Closer Look at the "3 Ds" of Endometriosis
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, so we're going to take a closer look at this common gynecologic condition and three ways endometriosis can impact your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more.
I'm Sexually Active: How Often Should I Be Screened for STIs?
When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), women need to be more vigilant since these conditions can often have an impact on their reproductive health.
Given that STIs are still making their rounds in large numbers — more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in 2024 in the United States — it’s important to stay one step ahead through regular screening.
Since April is STI Awareness Month, we turn to women’s health specialist and board-certified gynecologist Dr. Karen F. Brodman for some rules for screening for STIs. Let’s take a look.
A quick word about STD versus STI
We want to explain the shift away from sexually transmitted disease (STD) and toward sexually transmitted infection (STI). This distinction between disease and infection is due to the fact that a person can be infected but not develop any symptoms (disease).
Whether or not disease develops, an asymptomatic infection is still problematic and something people should screen for so they don’t pass it on to others.
Why screen for STIs?
We mentioned earlier that women are more at risk for complications. When women have an STI that goes untreated, it can become pelvic inflammatory disease. This sets the stage for fertility issues.
However, with regular STI screening, we can catch and treat these infections long before they lead to complications.
STI screening for sexually active women
The CDC has issued guidelines for STI testing and has chosen the age of 25 as a sort of dividing line.
The idea here is that sexually active women under the age of 25 are more likely to be having sex with multiple partners, as well as unprotected sex. After the age of 25, the risks drop as women enter into longer-term, monogamous partnerships.
Our point in bringing this up is that the age in screening recommendations is less important than your sexual activity.
For example, the CDC recommends that all women under the age of 25 screen annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea. For women 25 and older, the CDC recommends annual screening if they have a new partner, multiple partners, or if they’re with a partner with an STI.
So, please be honest and upfront about your sexual activity so that we can guide you correctly.
STI screening for pregnant women
All women who become pregnant should screen early in their pregnancy for:
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
If you’re sexually active during your pregnancy with a new partner or with multiple partners, we might recommend additional screening during your pregnancy.
STI screening for oral and anal sex
STIs can be transmitted in many ways, including orally and anally, so keep this in mind when considering screening. There are screening options for the throat and rectum, and we’re happy to discuss them with you.
STI screening is quick and easy
Testing for STIs is both quick and easy. In most cases, just a quick urine, blood, or swab test is all we need.
To figure out which STI screening schedule is right for you, we invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment at our New York City office located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
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