Hi there, I just got tested recently with my latest partner of a few months and we both tested negative. We're monogamous and I want to be long-term with him. Since we're both clean how often do you recommend couples get tested? Every 6-12 months?

If you both have negative STI tests after the window period, there would be no need for further testing.

The window period is the time between when a person comes in contact with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and when the STI will show up on a test.

Have a look at our “STIs at a glance” chart, it provides information on how long you need to wait before getting tested (window period) for the different STI.

You would only need to go for another STI test if something happened like opening up the relationship, an unplanned sexual exposure or an incident that could pass something, for example one of you work in health care and had a needle stick injury.

For other people who are also reading this question it also depends on your individual situation. For example we have some clients who are in long term monogamous relationships but one of the partners has HIV so the other person comes in every so often for a HIV test. You can always speak with the person who does your testing as they would know your individual situation to let you know how often to get tested.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on October 7, 2015.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

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Hi there, I just got tested recently with my latest partner of a few months and we both tested negative. We’re monogamous and I want to be long-term with him. Since we’re both clean how often do you recommend couples get tested? Every 6-12 months?