QUESTION
I am a teen who has recently been receiving anal sex -- with condoms of course. My question is that I know teen girls need internal exams when they first have sex, but if I'm a guy having anal sex, does that mean I need a check-up, too? If yes, how often?

ANSWER
Yes, sexually active men, including young men, should get regular checkups at least once a year and ideally after every two new partners. Some doctors recommend twice a year to keep things simple.

Men who have receptive anal sex (bottoms), regardless of condom use, should get rectal tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and blood tests for syphilis and HIV at their checkups.

Men who have insertive sex (tops) should get urine tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same frequency and also blood tests for HIV and syphilis.

People who have oral sex (suck cock) should get regular throat tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea and syphilis tests.

To your health,
Dr. K