By Lauren Haines, Nurse Practitioner

Most people who are screened for certain STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea will be screened by providing a urine sample or vaginal swab. However, many people are not screened as thoroughly as they should be!

Many cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can go undetected in other areas of the body that are exposed to STIs such as the throat or rectum. If you’ve had unprotected oral or anal sex, these areas should be screened for STIs as well. One way to test is through 3-site testing, such as TBD's 3-site Chlamydia and Gonorrhea home kit.

So why might you have an STI in your throat but nowhere else?

STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea don’t typically spread around your body. If you were exposed to an STI when giving oral sex, the infection will remain in your throat. If you were exposed to an STI during anal sex, the infection will remain in your rectum.

Many people use condoms or other barrier methods for vaginal or anal sex, but not for oral sex – which is why it is so important to get screened in any areas that you’ve had unprotected sex. To protect yourself during oral sex, be sure to use a barrier method like a condom or dental dam. Barrier methods for oral sex are even available in fun flavors to add to the enjoyment!

Speak with your primary care or a trusted sexual health care provider, like a TBD clinician, to help determine which STI screening tests are right for you!

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

This article provides information about sexual health, healthcare and/or related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of TBD Health Inc.