All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

A chlamydia test looks for the bacteria that cause the infection (Chlamydia trachomatis). For this test, you provide a urine sample. Or your provider takes a swab of fluid from your vagina, anus, throat or eye (depending on where the infection might be).

If you're in a monogamous, long-term relationship, Dr. West says getting an STI test at least once a year is good practice. Meanwhile, people in open or polyamorous long-term relationships who are having sex with multiple partners should have regular STI tests, just as if they were single.

The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydia in all sexually active women 24 years or younger and in women 25 years or older who are at increased risk for infection.

Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infection of the Cervix, Urethra, or Rectum. If chlamydial infection has not been excluded, treat for chlamydia with 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days. * For persons weighing ≥150 kg, 1 g should be administered.

Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is done by taking a swab sample (cervical, vaginal, or urethral swab for women; urethral or rectal swab for men) and looking for bacterial DNA specific to each of the 2 bacteria. For both men and women, a urine sample can also be used.

Most health care providers will not do a screening for sexually transmitted infections unless the client asks. So, don't let embarrassment become a health risk. If you're sexually active, you should ask to be screened for infections.