STD confusion

[catalina14]

I've found it pretty difficult to get the answers I want from researching, so I'm coming here for direct answers to my questions. Last week, I had unprotected sex with a guy I've been seeing. The last time he got tested was a year ago and he is very sexually active, with other girls as well. I know I'm actually at risk, and I'm visiting planned parenthood soon, but I do still have some things I'd like clarified. So here goes:

1. In order to contract an STD/STI, does he actually have to ejaculate inside of me? During the intercourse, we had only been going for about 5-10 minutes and he wasn't close to orgasm, so it wasn't the "withdrawal method" per say.
2. Are there any ways to test orally?
3. How often should you get tested?

[Karyn]

STIs can be transmitted without ejaculation, absolutely. Some STIs, like herpes and HPV for example, are transmitted through skin to skin contact, not fluids. You can read up on what activities pose a risk of what STIs right here: Can I Get Pregnant, or Get or Pass On an STI From That?

Different STIs are tested for in different ways. A test for chlamydia or gonorrhoea will usually be either a urine test or a swab of the vagina, unless you're specifically being tested for those infections in your mouth or throat (which is possible), but HIV tests require a blood sample and herpes is diagnosed through a visual examination. There's more information on what a full screening involves, and how often you should get tested, in this piece: Testing, Testing...

[Casey]

Also, even if he doesn't ejaculate, there is still fluid transfer if a condom isn't used.

[catalina14]

Just an update I got tested and I'm all clean! Thank you for your help!

[Mo]

It's great that your tests came back negative! As a side note - we do encourage people not to use the word "clean" to describe testing negative for STIs, since folks who do have them aren't dirty, you know?