4 Reasons Why You Need to Get Tested for STDs

by | Apr 1, 2026 | Uncategorized

If you’re sexually active, it’s possible that you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) at some point. You may be considering getting tested, but it can feel uncomfortable or even embarrassing to talk about. 

Here’s the thing: you should never feel ashamed for taking charge of your sexual health! Getting tested is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your partner.

Today, we’re exploring four important reasons why you need to get tested for STDs. Keep reading to learn more.

  1. Not All STDs Have Symptoms

Many people don’t even realize they have an STD because they don’t experience any symptoms. For example, up to 75% of women with chlamydia are asymptomatic.[1] It’s very easy for infections to go unnoticed until a partner is diagnosed or if complications arise later on.[2] 

The sooner you get tested, the better. Certain infections, like HIV, are much easier to treat when caught early. Early intervention can decrease your risk of developing AIDS and other serious conditions.[3] Additionally, by getting tested and treated, you do your part to help prevent them from spreading to others.

  1. They’re More Common Than You Think

STDs are quite common. In fact, more than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the United States.[4] The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people have an STD.[5] 

If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you’ve been exposed at some point, whether you realize it or not.

  1. They Can be Transmitted Through Different Forms of Contact

If you’ve never had vaginal intercourse, you may think you’re safe from STDs. However, some STDs can be spread through other forms of contact, such as anal sex, oral sex, or kissing:

  • Oral herpes[6]
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)[7]
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)[8]

It’s worth getting tested even if you haven’t had any intimate sexual contact with your partner. This will help prevent any infections from spreading further and allow you both to get the care you need!

  1. They Can Cause Lasting Damage to Your Reproductive Health

STDs can affect fertility in both men and women, especially when they go untreated. Bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead to serious reproductive health complications. 

In women, untreated infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can scar the fallopian tubes and make it difficult for sperm and an egg to meet. Up to 10% of women with PID have difficulty getting pregnant. This damage can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. [9]

In men, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause urethral inflammation that, if left untreated, could affect future fertility. They can also lead to inflammation and scarring in the reproductive tract, including conditions like epididymitis, which may block the release of sperm and also affect fertility. [10]

Because many STDs have few or no symptoms, regular testing and early treatment are important steps to help protect your future fertility. 

Call 320-253-1962 for free and confidential STD testing for men and women. 

How Often Should You Get Tested for STDs?

If you’re sexually active, it’s crucial to get tested regularly to protect your health! The CDC recommends that[11]:

  • Sexually active teens and adults (from age 13 onward) should be tested for HIV at least once a year.
  • Sexually active women should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year, especially if they have multiple sex partners or a partner (whether past or present) who has tested positive for an STD.
  • Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases. 

Free STD Testing and Treatment in St. Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota

Looking for confidential, compassionate STD testing in St. Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota? Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic is here to help. We offer comprehensive STD testing and treatment in a judgment-free environment. No insurance needed!

Take charge of your sexual health today. Give us a call at 320-253-1962 or schedule your appointment online. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where can I get free or low-cost STD testing in St. Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota?

If you’re looking for free or low-cost STD testing in St. Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota, Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic offers confidential testing in a safe and supportive environment. You don’t need insurance to receive services, and our team is here to answer your questions without judgment. Contact us today to learn more about available testing and schedule an appointment.

2. Is STD testing confidential?

Yes. STD testing at Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic is completely confidential. Your privacy is important to us, and our staff is committed to providing care in a respectful, discreet manner. If you’re nervous about getting tested, know that our team is here to support you every step of the way.

3. Do I need STD testing before making a pregnancy decision?

STD testing can be an important step if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy. Certain infections can affect your reproductive health or pregnancy, so knowing your status helps you make informed decisions about your next steps. At Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic, we offer confidential STD testing so you can get the information you need to protect your health.

Sources

  1. Patel, C. G., Trivedi, S., & Tao, G. (2018, September). The Proportion of Young Women Tested for Chlamydia Who Had Urogenital Symptoms in Physician Offices. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823598/   
  2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 21). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240#  
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, October 21). Early HIV diagnosis and treatment important for better long-term health outcomes. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-hiv-diagnosis-treatment-important-better-long-term-health-outcomes  
  4. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis  
  5. Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 3). https://www.cdc.gov/sti/php/communication-resources/prevalence-incidence-and-cost-estimates.html# 
  6. Oral Herpes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes#  
  7. World Health Organization. (2025, May 30). Herpes simplex virus. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus#  
  8. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2025, July 15). Sexually Transmitted Infections. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html  
  9. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594  
  10. Henkel R. (2021). Long-term consequences of sexually transmitted infections on men’s sexual function: A systematic review. Arab journal of urology, 19(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1080/2090598X.2021.1942414. 
  11. Getting Tested for STIs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 31). https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html