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If you're sexually active, especially with multiple partners, you've probably heard the following advice many times: Use protection and get tested.

This is important because a person can have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) without knowing it. In many cases, there aren't any signs or symptoms. In fact, that's why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), because you can have an infection without disease symptoms.

But what types of STI testing do you need? And how often should you be screened? The answers depend on your age, your sexual behaviors and other risk factors.

Don't assume that you're receiving STI testing every time you have a gynecologic exam or Pap test. If you think that you need STI testing, request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and what tests you'd like or need.