Regular STD testing is an essential part of sexual health for Polk County residents. Many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic — the CDC estimates roughly 1 in 5 Americans has an STI at any given time — which means you can carry and transmit infections without knowing. For people in the Ouachita Mountains region and small towns like Mena and Cove, routine screening protects personal health and the health of partners. CDC guidance recommends annual screening for sexually active people under 25 for chlamydia and gonorrhea, regular HIV screening for those at higher risk, and more frequent testing for people with new or multiple partners. Early detection leads to easier treatment, fewer complications (such as infertility from untreated chlamydia), and reduced spread in the community. In Polk County, where health services are more dispersed, convenient private STD testing with rapid results helps remove barriers—confidential, stigma-free care encourages people to test. Whether you’re new to the area, starting a new relationship, or simply doing routine health maintenance, timely STI screening and clear medical guidance are critical. Our Polk County centers provide medically accurate tests, secure result delivery, and compassionate counseling to normalize testing as routine health care.