✔ Backed by: HealthCare.gov · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · HIV.gov (HHS). Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
Picture this. You’re at your yearly checkup. The visit is wrapping up, and your clinician asks, “Anything else?” You think about asking for STI testing. Then you picture the look on their face, or the awkward questions that might follow. So you smile and say, “Nope, I’m good.” On the drive home, you wonder if you should have said something. Questions about sexual health can feel that way.
If that sounds familiar, you are in good company. Sexual health can be hard to talk about, even with a doctor. But sexual health is a normal part of overall health, at every age. September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, so let’s talk about it openly and without shame, like two friends at the kitchen table.
“I’d know if I had something.” Why that isn’t true
Many people believe they would notice if something were wrong. But many STIs cause no symptoms, so you could have one and not know [6]. Anyone who has sex can get an STI. That includes people of every age, gender, and sexual orientation, whether you are single, dating, or in a long-term relationship [6].
Here is another surprise for many people. Not every checkup includes STI testing. So don’t assume you were tested. Ask [6]. And everyone ages 13 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once [8]. Do you know when you were last tested, and for what?
Sexual health questions for your visit
Here is something worth knowing: your clinician has heard it all. Being honest about your sexual history helps them offer the right tests. Which tests you need depends on your age, your partners, and your sexual practices. A few simple lines can open the door.
You: “Before we finish, I’d like to talk about STI testing.”
Your clinician: “Sure. Can I ask a few questions about your partners and the kinds of sex you have?”
You: “Yes. Which tests do you recommend for me, and how often?”
Those questions about partners and how you protect yourself are routine. They help decide which tests make sense for you. Then the clinic may ask for a sample. Before you leave, it’s smart to ask: “Which tests am I getting today?” “How and when will I get my results?” And “Who will see my results, and will anything be mailed to my home?”
That last question matters if you are on a parent’s or partner’s insurance. You can ask about privacy. You can also ask for a clinician who is LGBTQ+ affirming. Feeling safe makes it easier to be honest. What would help you feel more comfortable speaking up?
Sexual health prevention: ways to protect yourself
There are more prevention tools today than many people realize. Condoms lower the risk of many STIs. The HPV vaccine prevents several cancers. CDC recommends it for ages 11 to 12 and through age 26. Some adults up to 45 may choose it [2]. Not sure if you got it? Ask, “Have I had the HPV vaccine?” and check your record.
PrEP lowers the chance of getting HIV. It comes as a daily pill or a shot [3]. Doxy PEP is an antibiotic taken after sex that can lower the risk of some bacterial STIs for some people [5]. A simple way to ask is: “Am I a good fit for PrEP or doxy PEP?” Asking does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It means you are taking care of yourself.
Talking with partners
For many people, this is the hardest talk of all. You might worry it will kill the mood, or that your partner will think you don’t trust them. Those feelings are normal. It can feel awkward at first, but it gets easier. CDC suggests talking before sex, sharing when you were each last tested, and getting tested together [6].
You: “I care about both of us. When were you last tested?”
Your partner: “Um, I’m not sure. Why, do you think I have something?”
You: “Not at all. I just think it’s something we should both do. Want to go together? We could grab lunch after.”
Notice what that does. It makes testing a team thing, not an accusation. What words have made this talk easier for you?
Where to get tested, including free options
Cost and convenience keep a lot of people from testing. The good news is that most health plans cover recommended screenings with no copay for people who need them. These include screenings for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C [1]. You also have more choices than you may think. Options include in-person visits, video or phone visits, pharmacy and retail clinics, at-home sample collection, and FDA-approved self-tests for some infections [6].
You can find free or low-cost confidential testing near you at gettested.cdc.gov [6]. Local health departments, community health centers, sexual health clinics, and pharmacies offer HIV testing. There are free options if you do not have insurance. You can buy an HIV self-test at a pharmacy or online. You may also be able to order a free one through CDC while supplies last. The HIV.gov HIV Services Locator lets you search by ZIP code or city [7].
If a test comes back positive
Take a deep breath. A positive test can bring up fear, shame, or anger. Those feelings are real, but a test result is not a judgment of who you are. All STIs are treatable, and some can be cured with the right medicine [6].
Take all of your medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better, and do not share it. Avoid sex until you and your partners have all finished treatment [6]. Let recent partners know so they can get tested too. If that feels too hard, ask your clinic if they can help. You might start with: “I got some test results, and I think you should get checked too. I wanted you to hear it from me.”
When to act right away
Some situations can’t wait for a regular appointment:
- If you think you were exposed to HIV, contact a clinician, urgent care, or emergency room right away. PEP is emergency HIV medicine, and it must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure [4].
- If you were hurt or forced into sex, you deserve care and support. If you are in danger, call 911. An emergency room can check on your health and talk with you about PEP.
Please don’t let embarrassment make you wait. Getting care quickly is the right call.
Let’s talk
We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Please keep it general and protect your privacy.
What made it easier, or harder, for you to ask for STI testing?
If you have ever talked with a partner about testing, what words worked?
What would make sexual health feel like a normal topic in your family or friend group?
One Tru Step: Book a sexual health check, or add “STI testing” to the list for your next visit.
Sources and further reading
- HealthCare.gov: Preventive Care Benefits for Adults
- CDC: HPV Vaccine Recommendations
- CDC: About PrEP
- CDC: About PEP
- CDC: Doxy PEP
- CDC: Talk. Test. Treat. Information for Individuals
- HIV.gov: HIV Testing Locations
- CDC: Getting Tested for HIV
Sources checked October 10, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
Related Health Hubs
Join the conversation 💬
This is your space. Share a tip that helped you, ask the question you have been wondering about, or cheer on someone going through the same thing. Your comment shows up right away, and no account is needed.
Our house rules (they keep this a feel-good spot): Be kind. Stay on topic. Keep it free of religion, politics, and anything hurtful. Comments that break these rules are removed.
Protect your privacy: Use a first name or nickname, and skip full names, phone numbers, and personal health details.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.