A QueerLips Guide to STI Screening

This article was written in consultation with Dr. Swathi SB

It’s STI Awareness Month, which means we’re taking a minute to lovingly remind you that sexual health is self-care.

Whether you’re just starting out on your pleasure journey, exploring new connections, or been out here thriving, regular STI screening is a key part of keeping yourself and your partner/s safe. And yes, this applies to everyone who’s sexually active, across all genders, orientations, and relationship styles.

So here’s your bite-sized QueerLips-approved breakdown of the most important STIs to screen for, how often you should test, and when to check in with a provider.

Whether you’re single and exploring, in a committed relationship, on dating apps, or anywhere in between — this guide is for you. Let QueerLips walk you through it !

First things first: What are STIs?

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact — and yes, that includes oral, vaginal, anal sex, and even skin-to-skin touch depending on the infection or by blood contact (like needle sharing).

Some of the most common STIs include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV.

Most STIs are very treatable, especially when caught early. And just like you wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, you shouldn’t skip your regular STI screening either. Why? Because many STIs don’t show symptoms at all, and getting screened is the only way to know your status. It’s like checking your engine even when there’s no warning light on. And the good news? 

Most are treatable, many are preventable, and all are manageable with the right care and support.

Now let’s come to the hows, whens, and whats of screening :

Several common STIs are notorious for their ability to remain undetected due to a lack of noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages which is why as said before regular screening is must.

Here’s a simple breakdown :

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): When it comes to HIV,  early detection = better treatment = healthier you. And if you’re HIV-negative but at risk, this is also a good time to chat about PrEP (a daily pill to prevent HIV).

These detect both HIV antigens and the antibodies your body produces in response and pick up infections earlier than previous tests (yay for science!).

How often to screen: At least once a year and every 3–6 months if you’re sexually active with multiple partners, don’t use barriers consistently, or engage in higher-risk sex. Recommended to get screened if  a partner tests positive or you’ve shared needles or after unprotected sex with a new or unknown-status partner (ofcourse not to forget considering PEP – Post-exposure prophylaxis in these situations!)

Hepatitis B (HBV) : Hep B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine. If you haven’t gotten it, talk to a provider — it’s a great long-term protective step.

This detects if you currently have hepatitis B, which affects the liver and can be passed through sex, blood, or childbirth.

How often to screen: Once a year if sexually active and every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners, are on PrEP, or engage in group sex or if you have a partner with HBV or share blood-related items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.). If your test turns positive, follow-up other tests would be done to decide whether you need treatment. Screening is recommended If you’ve never been vaccinated and have had a potential exposure (in such exposures based on the risk you may even benefit from hepatitis B immunoglobulins which prevent from contracting the infection) or If you’re a trans or queer person seeking gender-affirming surgeries (often part of pre-surgical screening)

Hepatitis C (HCV) : Hep C is treatable — but only if you know you have it. Early diagnosis helps prevent liver damage and transmission.

This checks if you’ve ever been exposed to hepatitis C, a virus that affects the liver and If positive, follow-up testing determines if the infection is current.

How often to screen: Once a year if you’re sexually active and every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners, are on PrEP, or engage in group sex. Especially important if you engage in rough sex, share needles, or have sex involving blood contact. Recommended to get screened after any potential exposure or If you’re living with HIV, since co-infection risks are higher

Syphilis: Syphilis can be silent —  progresses in stages and can be dangerous if untreated. But it’s totally curable with antibiotics. The earlier you catch it, the better.

Syphilis is a bacterial STI that progresses in stages and can be dangerous if untreated.

How often to screen: Once a year for anyone sexually active and Every 3–6 months if you have multiple partners, are on PrEP, or engage in group sex. Screening is especially recommended if you notice symptoms: rashes, painless sores, swollen lymph nodes, or unexplained fever or if a partner tests positive

Chlamydia : Often symptomless, but untreated chlamydia can cause serious issues like infertility. Easily treatable with antibiotics.

This detects chlamydia DNA in your pee or from a swab of your throat, rectum, vagina, or urethra depending on your sexual practices.

How often to screen: Once a year for anyone sexually active and Every 3–6 months if you have new or multiple partners or your partner has multiple partners or on HIV-PrEP. If you have symptoms like burning pee, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, testicular pain, or pain during sex or a known exposure

Gonorrhea : Gonorrhea can spread and cause long-term complications — but treatment is quick and simple when caught early.

Works by detecting gonorrhea in urine or swab samples from the genitals, throat, or rectum.

How often to screen: Once a year and Every 3–6 months for people with multiple partners, those on PrEP, or if engaging in condomless sex. Symptoms include discharge, burning pee, rectal pain, sore throat after oral sex so if you notice that or if a partner tests positive – get tested!

Should I talk to a provider before or after testing?

Yes, dost! It’s always a great idea to consult a provider before and after testing — especially if:

• You’re unsure what tests you need
• You’ve never tested before
• You’ve had a recent exposure or partner test positive
• You’re considering protective options like PrEP, HPV or Hepatitis B vaccines, or want to talk about barrier methods (condoms, dental dams, etc.)

Queer-friendly providers will help you make sense of test results, discuss treatment if needed, and help you make a plan for safer sex that fits your life. 

Don’t forget about Protection and Prevention!

STI screening is only one part of the sexual health toolkit. Here’s what else QueerLips recommends:

• Open conversation with your sexual partner/s about consent, sexual preferences, preventive strategies, STI testing status etc. 
• Condoms and barriers during oral, anal, or vaginal sex (external and internal condoms, dental dams)
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention if you’re at higher risk
• Vaccines for Hepatitis B and HPV (human papillomavirus) — both available in India!
• Honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

A quick reminder from QueerLips : Getting tested doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you care — about yourself, your partners, and your community. It’s also an act of resistance against the stigma around sexual pleasure and health.

You deserve access to affirming care, accurate information, and a healthcare system that sees you. Until then QueerLips is here to bridge that gap.

Now a Quick Recap: How Often Should I Get Tested?

STI	Recommended Testing Frequency
HIV	Every 3–12 months
Hep B	Once a year (if unvaccinated)
Hep C	Once a year (or as needed)
Syphilis	Every 3–12 months
Chlamydia	Every 3–12 months
Gonorrhea	Every 3–12 months

Pro Tips from QueerLips:

Talk to a provider –  They’ll help interpret your results, offer next steps, and chat with you about things like vaccines, PrEP, or barrier options.

Vaccinate if you can – especially for Hep B and HPV.

Test with your partners — make it a date! Consent and care go hand in hand.

Ask questions — if something feels off, you deserve answers without judgment.

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Need help finding a queer-affirming provider?

We have a directory of 151+ Queer-Trans Affirmative Doctors listed on our website for you to choose from providers listed on Safe Access 

And QueerLips also has your back (and your front). You can ask anything related to LGBTQ sexual and reproductive health (anonymously) and get personalized answers vetted by affirmative healthcare provider 

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Resources:

• Chlamydia: https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/index.html
• Gonorrhea: https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/index.html
• Genital Herpes: https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/index.html
• Hepatitis B: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/index.html
• Hepatitis C: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/index.html
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/index.html

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About the author

Aayushi Patnaik’s background spans gender and queer studies, digital communications, films and community-centered research. At Safe Access, she leads communication strategies, content creation, fostering community engagement and outreach across platforms to amplify LGBTQ+ rights, SRHRJ and mental health advocacy. With a Master’s in Gender, Culture, and Development Studies, they hold research interests in chosen families, digital communities, and queer pop culture.

Dr Swathi SB is a Primary care & HIV physician and public health professional. She advocates for health as a right and focuses on addressing health inequities through research, implementation and strengthening health systems. She explores the intersection between health, gender, and sexuality. She has worked with women in sex work, and transgender communities delivering primary care and understanding the issues related to the provision of comprehensive HIV and primary health care.