How to Prepare for Your DOT Physical
In order to drive commercial vehicles on the nation’s 4 million-plus miles of roadways, the Department of Transportation requires a physical. We perform those physicals, and here are some prep tips.
How Often Should I Be Tested for STIs?
Despite awareness efforts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are still being spread throughout the American population in large numbers. In 2024 alone, more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported, which is 13% higher than a decade ago.
One of the best ways to combat these high numbers is through regular STI testing, which we offer at Forest Urgent Care. Under the direction of Dr. Ping Wong and Dr. Waiho Lum, our team offers comprehensive lab testing for STIs that allow you to stay on top of your health.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have established guidelines for STI testing, and we discuss them here.
Why STI testing is important
Let’s first cover why it’s important to screen for STIs in the first place. There are a number of reasons why people should test, including:
- Many STIs don’t have symptoms, which means you can pass it on unknowingly
- Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility issues in women
- Women can pass certain STIs to infants through pregnancy
While these are compelling reasons, we also want to add that when STIs are symptomatic, you want to find relief, which we can accomplish after testing.
We also want you to keep in mind that STI testing is quite simple, and we can get it done in just minutes.
Testing recommendations for women
Because STIs can impact female reproductive health, it’s especially important for women to undergo regular screening. The CDC recommends:
- People age 13-64 should screen for HIV at least once
- All pregnant women should screen for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in early pregnancy
- Pregnant women should screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea depending upon risks for exposure
- Sexually active women under age 25 should screen for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia every year
- Sexually active women 25 years and older with new partners or multiple partners should screen annually for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
We also want to point out that some STIs can be passed on through oral and anal sex, as well as vaginal sex, so please keep this in mind when figuring out what’s best for you.
STI screening guidelines for men
Many men don’t have the same potential complications as women, so STI testing is a little different:
- Sexually active men should screen regularly for syphilis
- Males age 13-64 should test at least once for HIV
- Men who have sex with men should screen at least annually for HIV
- Men who have sex with men should test annually for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
- Men who have multiple male partners should screen more frequently for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — every 3-6 months
Please note that at Forest Urgent Care, we offer rapid HIV testing, which is a great tool for sexually active gay men to safeguard their health and the health of their partners.
Finding the right STI screening schedule for you
What we’ve outlined are guidelines. We’re happy to sit down with you to come up with an STI testing schedule that makes sense for your lifestyle and health.
Schedule an appointment or walk into our clinic in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, during our hours of operation — 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends.
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Walk In for Fast, Private and Reliable STD Testing with One Simple Fee
When it comes to your health, you deserve care that is fast, private, and
reliable. At our clinic, we make STD testing simple and stress-free. No long
waits, no complicated pricing, and no embarrassment-just professional
medical care from a trusted team.
Fast, Private, and Reliable STD Testing – One Simple Fee at Our Walk-In Office
When it comes to your health, you deserve care that is fast, private, and reliable. At our clinic, we make STD testing simple and stress-free. No long waits, no complicated pricing, and no embarrassment—just professional medical care from a trusted team.