As the summer heats up in more ways than one, keep in mind that STI rates hit their sixth consecutive all-time high in 2019. That sounds ominous, until you remember that STIs are easily preventable with barrier methods and, most importantly, comprehensive, routine testing.

VICE spoke with Sandling and Rebecca Brightman, a gynecologist in New York, about all the nitty gritty details of STI testing: how often you should do it, what you should ask for, and whether there’s such a thing as “overkill.” Whether you’re newly single, newly monogamous, or somewhere in the big, fun middle, we’ve got you covered.

How often should I get tested?

A great starting place: Get tested now, and then again in a few months, at the end of the summer, Sandling said.

I mean I plan on having as many partners as possible. Do I need to get tested between every single one? 

Assuming you use a barrier method every single time you have sex: Those who have two or three new partners per month can responsibly get tested every three to six months. This isn’t a hard-set rule, but Sandling generally advised that the only folks who should consider getting tested more often than that—like, on a monthly basis—are those who have upwards of five new partners per month. 

How do I know if I got a good, comprehensive STI test?

Your doc swabbed all the sex-having areas and made you pee in a cup.

I keep hearing that HPV is the most common STI. How often should I be tested for it?

There’s no test for guys, but women should be tested every three to five years.