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HomeHow Often Should I Get Tested for STIs?

How Often Should I Get Tested for STIs?

1 May, 2026 | Blog, Contraception, Short form Q&A

There is no single universal testing schedule. STI Guidelines Australia recommends STI testing based on your risk, exposure, symptoms, or, if you request it, on your age. Some groups have specific testing intervals.

When to get an STI check-up

Testing is recommended if you:

Woman with brown hair in orange sweater
  • Want reassurance or request testing
  • Have a new sexual partner
  • Have had a recent exposure
  • Have had an STI in the past 12 months
  • Are a partner of someone in a higher-risk group
  • Have travelled to or live in areas with higher STI prevalence

How often should I test?

Every 3 months

Testing every 3 months is recommended for:

  • Men who have sex with men who are sexually active
  • People who recently tested positive for an STI should check for reinfection

Once a year

Annual testing is recommended for:

  • Sexually active young people
  • Some people in lower-risk or monogamous situations
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15–34

Test promptly if you have symptoms or a recent exposure

  • If you have symptoms: Seek testing if you notice signs such as discharge, sores, genital pain, bleeding, or fever.
  • If you may have been exposed: Get advice as soon as possible. Some infections take time to show up on tests, so repeat testing may be needed.

MSI Australia provides optional STI testing as a routine part of your service with us, with swabs and blood tests completed either in-clinic or through a local pathology provider for telehealth abortion patients.

Find your nearest MSI clinic to book an appointment and get the care you need.

Dr Philip Goldstone

Content reviewed by Dr Philip Goldstone, Medical Director of MSI Australia

Medical Director since 2010, Philip is one of Australia’s leading practitioners in abortion and contraception care. He played a crucial role in bringing medical abortion to Australia and published widely on the topic.

More about Dr Goldstone