National Get Tested Day: Your Guide to STI Testing and Sexual Health

National Get Tested Day (September 30) deserves a permanent spot on your calendar. It’s the day we collectively remind ourselves that sexual health isn’t taboo, it’s essential. Getting tested isn’t about guilt, shame, or awkward clinic visits. It’s about confidence, connection, and keeping your sex life fun without any unexpected “souvenirs.”

This guide is your playbook for STI testing—why it matters, how to do it, and how staying on top of your health keeps your sex life thriving.

If you’re having great sex, you’re also at risk of picking up something more than a memorable story. The truth is:

• Many STIs have no symptoms.

• You could unknowingly pass something to a partner.

• Routine STI screening lowers your risk of awkward phone calls that start with, “Hey, so remember last weekend…”

Getting tested shows you care about your health and your partners. Nothing is sexier than responsibility mixed with confidence.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: The Party Crashers

Chlamydia often shows up with painful urination, discharge, or testicular pain. But here’s the kicker: many people don’t show any signs. That’s why chlamydia testing is so important. It’s usually a urine sample or (cue the wince) a swab.

Gonorrhea, better known as “the clap,” is another common infection with very similar symptoms. The gonorrhea test is also simple: a urine sample or swab.

Treatment: Antibiotics. Easy, quick, and way less stressful than ignoring it.

Syphilis: Old-School Trouble

Syphilis symptoms can include rashes, sores, fever, or flu-like issues. Most providers use a syphilis blood test to confirm it.

Treatment: More antibiotics. But remember, antibiotics also wipe out good bacteria, so talk to your provider about balancing your gut health.

HIV: The Sneaky Virus

HIV targets your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to other infections. Left untreated, it can progress to AIDS.

HIV testing options now include rapid finger pricks, blood draws, and even at-home tests. If you’re at higher risk, ask your provider about PrEP for HIV prevention—a daily pill that can stop HIV before it starts.

Treatment: Today’s medications make it possible to live a long, healthy life. Many patients reach “undetectable” status, meaning they can’t transmit the virus through sex.

Herpes: The Uninvited Houseguest

Caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2, herpes sticks around for life. Outbreaks involve sores, blisters, or itching. If you’re worried, providers look for herpes symptoms and testing options, usually via swab of a sore.

Treatment: Antiviral meds can minimize outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. With management, most people live normal, happy sex lives.

HPV: The Overachiever

HPV has more than 100 strains, some causing warts and others linked to cancers. Men don’t have an official screening test, but warts can be diagnosed visually. Anal Pap smears may also be performed. The HPV vaccine for men is one of the best ways to prevent infection and protect partners.

Treatment: Many strains clear up naturally. Lesions may be treated with cryoablation or surgery.

Trichomoniasis: The Tiny Parasite

“Trich” is often symptomless in men but can cause discharge, itching, or burning. It’s one of those infections where people Google “ trichomoniasis in men” after noticing weird changes. Testing involves urine or a swab.

Treatment: Antibiotics. Another freeloader evicted.

Not every infection shows signs, but here are common symptoms of STIs in men to pay attention to:

• Burning during urination

• Unusual discharge

• Rashes or sores on the genitals

• Itching or swelling

• Pain in the testicles or pelvis

If something feels off, skip the WebMD panic spiral and get tested.

The CDC suggests at least once a year, but there’s no one-size-fits-all. So, how often should you get tested for STIs? Consider:

• Annual testing if you’re sexually active.

• Before starting a new relationship.

• After condom breaks or risky encounters.

• More frequent testing if you have multiple partners.

Think of it like laundry: once a year isn’t enough if you’re really active.

• “I’d know if I had one.” Nope. Many infections are silent.

• “It’s painful.” Most tests are quick swabs, urine samples, or a small syphilis blood test.

• “It’s embarrassing.” Clinics offer confidential STI testing, and at-home kits let you do it privately.

• “I only sleep with one person, so I’m safe.” Unless you both tested and stayed exclusive, there’s still risk.

• Doctor’s office or clinic: Great for thorough care. Search “ STI testing near me” and you’ll find plenty of options.

• At-home tests: Discreet and private. Services like ProDx Health provide accurate results through an STI home test kit.

• Community clinics: Many offer free or low-cost routine STI screening with no questions asked.

Testing is vital, but your overall sexual health deserves love too. From hormone checks to fertility evaluations, a full checkup keeps your body and bedroom life in sync.

Once you’ve got your clean bill of health, you can focus on the fun stuff. Popstar’s Volume + Taste Supplement helps boost semen volume and flavor, while our Delay Spray is here for anyone looking to last longer. Think of these as your bonus round once you’ve handled the basics.

National Get Tested Day isn’t about fear. It’s about pride, empowerment, and being the kind of person who takes care of themselves and their partners. Getting tested means better sex, less stress, and more confidence.

So mark your calendar, book that appointment, or order from ProDx Health. Then, once you’re in the clear, bring on the Popstar fun—whether that’s bigger loads, better taste, or lasting longer in bed.