If you’ve had an STI before, you are at a higher risk of getting infected again. Recent research supports this finding. Therefore, it’s important to regularly test for STIs, especially if you’ve been infected before. It doesn’t matter how long ago you had the STI; always get tested after unprotected sex to prevent reinfection with diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The exact reason why you’re at higher risk is not entirely clear yet. Scientists believe it may have to do with the mucous membranes, which might struggle more to fend off pathogens after previous infections. Research into this is ongoing. However, it has been shown that people who have had chlamydia before are more likely to contract it again.
If you’ve had an STI before and you’ve had unprotected sex again, we recommend taking an STI test. Even if you’ve been treated, you can still contract an STI again. If you engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners, we advise taking an STI test every six months.
If you experience symptoms after unprotected sex, such as smelly discharge or pain while urinating, take a test immediately. Visit the STI section on our website for more information on which STI may match your symptoms. To prevent serious consequences, it’s crucial to take an STI test as soon as possible, as you can also infect other sexual partners.
The Tester provides direct access to a self-sampling test conducted by a laboratory. The test is discreet, simple, and quick to perform. If you have symptoms or have had unprotected sex, order an STI test from The Tester.
