Regular STD testing is essential to help find an infection early or when a person is asymptomatic (has no symptoms). This is important because treatment can avoid long-term problems, such as infertility. In addition, testing is also important because: - Getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things a person can do to protect their health, and can help prevent a myriad of avoidable health problems. - Getting tested is quick and easy, only takes a few minutes and is painless, although some tests may be uncomfortable. - Most STDs are treatable and can be cured with a course of antibiotics; viral STDs cannot be cured, but can be treated or prevented with vaccines. - Not all STDs have external symptoms (aside from herpes and HPV) and require a test to confirm their presence. - Early detection is key for treatment plans and can greatly improve one’s health.