STI Screenings in Long Term Relationships

Should I get tested if I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for two years?

Sexually transmitted infections and diseases are often tested by healthcare professionals in “panels”, and may combine bloodwork, urine, or swab cultures. Depending on where you live you may go to a specific clinic or receive a full panel at your doctor (or gynecologist or urologist!).

The elephant in the room here, so to speak, is the fact that fluid bonding may be broken due to infidelity or consensual play outside of the relationship. If you are experiencing any symptoms such as unusual discharge, burning, pain with urination or sex, painful orgasm, itching, rash, warts, or unexplained fever go to a healthcare professional.

Regardless of your relationship status, it is important to get tested regularly for a few sexually transmitted diseases that may take a while to show up on diagnostics or may reemerge if you had them in the past. A common routine test is the HPV swab, also known as the Pap smear. Bloodwork to test for types of hepatitis or HIV is also important to test for regularly, since they may not appear for a while on lab results. Consider your health conditions, lifestyle, and relationship terms to make the best testing plan for you and your partner.

If you didn’t get tested before starting to have sex with this person exclusively, it could be great for you both to do a routine panel. Also if there are issues such as infertility, pain, or erectile dysfunction, it could be a good time to get tested to rule out sexually transmitted issues.

There are some infections that you might not be able to get tested for unless you have an outbreak or symptoms, such as HSV (herpes virus), so if you are experiencing symptoms it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider.

If you have access to affordable healthcare, getting a routine panel every few months could provide some peace of mind even if you’re in a monogamous relationship.