From the Guidelines
Recommended STI tests for males typically include urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C, and physical examinations for visible symptoms like genital warts or herpes lesions. These tests should be done regularly if sexually active with multiple partners, after unprotected sex, or when experiencing symptoms such as penile discharge, burning during urination, or genital sores. For comprehensive screening, men should request nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are highly accurate 1. HIV testing should include both antibody and antigen tests, while syphilis screening involves RPR or VDRL tests. Testing frequency depends on risk factors—every 3-6 months for those with multiple partners or other high-risk behaviors, and at least annually for sexually active individuals 1. Many clinics offer confidential or anonymous testing options, and results typically return within a few days to two weeks. Regular testing is crucial because many STIs can be asymptomatic in men while still causing long-term health problems and transmission to partners. Some key populations, such as men who have sex with men, should be screened more frequently due to higher risk 1. It's also important for clinicians to consider the risk in the community and populations they serve when making decisions about screening men for syphilis and other STIs 1. Overall, the goal of STI testing is to identify and treat infections early, reducing the risk of long-term complications and transmission to others. Key considerations for STI testing in men include:
- Urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C
- Physical examinations for visible symptoms
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Testing frequency based on risk factors
- Confidential or anonymous testing options
- Importance of regular testing for asymptomatic infections.
From the Research
STI Testing for Males
The recommended tests for a male seeking STI testing include:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 2
- Hepatitis B and C
- Trichomonas
- Herpes
Testing Methods
Testing methods may vary depending on the individual's risk factors and symptoms. For example:
- Urine tests for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) 3
- Blood tests for HIV and syphilis
- Self-collected samples from multiple anatomic sites, such as pharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, and urine samples, for CT and GC testing 4
- Home-based screening with self-collected urine or vaginal specimens is a feasible and acceptable method for improving STI screening rates 5
Risk Factors
Individuals with certain risk factors, such as:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- History of STIs
- Injection drug use
- Exchange of sex for money or drugs may require more comprehensive testing, including extragenital screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia 6
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing is important for monitoring sexual health, especially for individuals with high-risk behaviors. A study found that regular testing with self-collected samples from multiple anatomic sites can help detect STIs and prevent forward transmission of GC/CT 4