STDs and the Military: What Service Members Need to Know

The Prevalence of STDs in the Military

Troops, particularly those in their late teens and twenties, are more prone to acquiring STDs compared to their civilian counterparts. Several studies have proven that the rates of some STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are higher among military personnel than in the general population. This is due to:

• Recurrent deployments and movements, which disrupt settled relationships.
• High-risk behavior, such as drinking, which can impair judgment.
• Limited access to routine healthcare while deployed.

The Department of Defense Sexually Transmitted Disease Annual Report for the Military annually reported that STDs were one of the leading causes of non-deployment medical disqualifications.

STDs Prevalent Among Military Personnel

Members of the military are exposed to the same STDs as the general population, although certain infections are particularly prevalent:

Chlamydia

• Most frequently reported STD in the military.
• Typically asymptomatic but can cause complications like infertility.
• Testing is recommended from time to time, especially in sexually active personnel under the age of 25.

Gonorrhea

• An infection caused by bacteria that can be resistant to antibiotics.
• Causes painful urination, discharge, and potential long-term health complications.

Syphilis

• There has been reported increasing incidence among service personnel.
• Can turn into serious complications if not treated.

Check Your STD Status in Minutes

Test at Home with Remedium
3-in-1 STD Test Kit

Claim Your Kit Today

Save 53%

For Men & Women

Results in Minutes

No Lab Needed

Private & Discreet

Order Now $69.00 $147.00

For all 3 tests

Genital Herpes

• A chronic condition with recurrent attacks.
• Severely spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Some strains cause genital warts, while others lead to cervical or throat cancer.
• The military offers free HPV vaccines to eligible service members.

HIV

• A major determinant of long-term health and deployment status.
• Military members are screened regularly for HIV.

STD Testing and Treatment in the Military

Mandatory Testing of Service Members

The military requires routine STD screening, especially for:

• New recruits – During enlistment, personnel undergo mandatory testing for HIV and other STDs.
• Pre- and post-deployment tests – Ensures troops are medically fit for deployment.
• Annual screenings – Required in certain ranks and roles, particularly those with high-risk profiles.
• Symptomatic persons – People who have symptoms are free to access testing in military medical facilities.

Military Health and STD Treatment

• Tricare Coverage: The military healthcare has STD treatment and testing to provide timely treatment for troops.
• Confidentiality: Medical records are protected, but service members would be aware that STD testing for exposure may impact deployability or require additional medical evaluation.
• Treatment Protocols: STD treatment of diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea includes antibiotic use, while chronic diseases like herpes and HIV must be treated throughout their lives.

Service Members' Role for At-Home STD Testing

The military clinic offers STD screening, but military service members tend to face issues due to:

• Lack of access to medical care in the course of deployment.
• Concern about confidentiality, particularly for officers or command-level personnel.
• Stigma for testing at a military medical facility.

Home STD testing offers a discreet, convenient alternative, allowing service members to:

• Test discreetly at home or on leave.
• Receive prompt results and receive treatment sooner.
• Avoid potential embarrassment or professional backlash.

Our home STD test kits offer accurate, reliable results and allow service members to be proactive about their sexual health.

Check Your STD Status in Minutes

Test at Home with Remedium
7-in-1 STD Test Kit

Claim Your Kit Today

Save 62%

For Men & Women

Results in Minutes

No Lab Needed

Private & Discreet

Order Now $129.00 $343.00

For all 7 tests

Preventing STDs in the Military

Troops can reduce their risk of developing STDs by following these best practices:

• Use Protection – Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk.
• Get Vaccinated – Eligible service members get the HPV vaccine free and avoid certain cancers and genital warts.
• Regular Testing – Early testing prevents complications and reduces transmission.
• Limit High-Risk Behavior – Don't get too drunk on booze, as this will reduce judgment.
• Get Treatment Now – Un-treated STDs can cause long-term health problems.

FAQs

1. Does the military discharge a member for having an STD?

No, the majority of STDs do not result in discharge. However, un-treated infections that are causing serious health problems or diseases such as HIV that affect deployment status can impact a service member's career.

2. Do I have the ability to get tested for STDs if I am deployed?

Yes, but the test may not be accessible in all locations. Some members receive at-home STD test kits before or after they deploy.

3. Is STD testing on a military basis confidential?

Yes, medical records are confidential, although a positive test result can be noted in your file and impact deployability.

4. How often should members be tested for STDs?

Annual screening is recommended, but more frequent screening is advised for those with many partners or symptoms.

5. May I take an at-home STD test while serving in the military?

Yes. At-home test kits provide an anonymous, accurate way of testing for service members who wish to keep their circumstances confidential.

6. Are condoms complimentary on military bases?

Yes, the majority of military clinics and health centers dispense free condoms to encourage safe sex.

7. Will my commanding officer know if I test positive for an STD?

Not necessarily. STD test results are confidential, but in cases where the condition would affect readiness, medical personnel can inform your commander.

8. Can I deploy with an STD?

That depends on the STD. STDs that are curable, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, usually don't affect deployment, but diseases like HIV might affect medical clearance.

9. Does Tricare cover STD testing and treatment?

Yes, Tricare does cover routine STD screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

10. What if I test positive for an STD?

Seek medical attention right away, follow your provider's recommendations, and inform recent partners so you don't infect others.

Taking Care of Your Health While Serving

Safety in sexual health is essential to upholding military preparedness and health in general. While the military provides free testing and treatment for STDs, home STD testing offers an extra measure of privacy and convenience for service members. Whether stateside or deployed, staying informed, getting tested routinely, and using safe sex practices are the greatest measures you can take to protect yourself and others in the armed forces.

Take control of your health today. Get an in-home STD test for fast, private results.

Sources

1.- CDC STD Prevention and Military Service Members

2.- Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Active Component Members

3.- DOD Initiatives Address the Sexual Health of Our Military

4.- Sexually Transmitted Infections in the U.S. Military

5.- Female Troops Diagnosed with STDs at 'Markedly' Higher Rates