STDs do not always cause symptoms. Only testing can determine whether or if you have an STD. So, if you’ve had any type of sexual contact that might spread STDs, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, consult a doctor or nurse about being tested. If you’ve had sexual contact with someone else and notice any symptoms of an STD, consult a doctor or nurse about being tested.
STD symptoms may appear and go over time, but this does not imply that the STD has been eradicated. Although STD symptoms are sometimes so faint that they do not worry you, you should still consult a doctor or nurse if you detect anything out of the ordinary.
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Diagnosis of STI
In high-income nations, accurate STI diagnostic tests are frequently utilized. These are very valuable for determining the cause of asymptomatic illnesses. Diagnostic tests, however, are mainly unavailable in low- and middle-income nations. Where testing is offered, it is frequently costly and geographically distant, and patients must frequently wait a long time (or return) for findings. As a result, follow-up may be hampered, and care or therapy may be insufficient.
The only STI tests that are now available are for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV. The fast syphilis test is already being used in resource-constrained contexts. A quick dual HIV/syphilis test is now available, allowing people to be tested for both HIV and syphilis.
Are home-test kits for STD testing any effective?
At-home test kits for some STIs, such as HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, are becoming more common. You obtain a urine sample or an oral or vaginal swab for home STI testing and submit it to a lab for examination.
Some tests need the collection of many samples. The advantage of home testing is that you may collect the sample in the privacy of your own home, eliminating the need for a pelvic exam or an office visit.
However, tests performed on samples collected by you may have a greater probability of false-positive findings, which means the test says you have an STI when you don’t.
For accurate STD testing, one needs experts who know what they are doing, and what to look for. So in a way, this is a matter of serious concern, and you should always have a good diagnosis via a recognized agency or doctor.
Different types of STD Screenings
STI testing can be quick and easy. It involves visiting a health care provider and/or a health clinic. Blood and urine samples and swabs may be taken depending on the STI. Others involve a visual examination for symptoms. There is no one test that covers all STIs.
Here are the tests for the most common STIs:
- Chlamydia: Swab of the affected area or urine sample
- Gonorrhea: Swab of the affected area or urine sample
- HIV: HIV rapid testing clinics provide quick, discreet HIV tests with the option to remain anonymous. You can drop in without an appointment and you can get the results within minutes. Rapid tests are also known as Point of Care (POC) tests.
- Genital herpes (no symptoms): Blood test (ask for a type-specific IgG test, not an IgM test)
- Genital herpes (with symptoms): Swab of the affected area and blood test
- Syphilis: Blood test or swab of the affected area
- Trichomoniasis (Trich): Swab of the infected area or a visual exam
- HPV (genital warts): Visual exam
- HPV (cervical cancer): Swab of the affected area
- Symptomatic genital herpes: a swab of the afflicted region and a blood test
- Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test or a swab of the afflicted region
- Trichomoniasis (Trich): A swab of the diseased region or a visual examination is required
- Visual examination for HPV (genital warts)
- Swab the afflicted region for HPV (cervical cancer)
Is there a 100% effective technique to prevent STDs?
Abstinence – avoiding all vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse – is the only 100% effective approach to prevent HIV and STD transmission. The use of a latex male or female condom can significantly reduce, but not completely eliminate, the risk of HIV and STD transmission. Condoms are the only product that reduces the chance of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV. Birth control tablets, birth control patches, contraceptive injections such as Depo-Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs), diaphragms, and any other form of birth control other than condoms do not protect against STDs and HIV.
Bottomline | STD Testing
While many STDs can be cured or treated with medication, the consequences of untreated STDs can include: infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, birth defects and a 3- to 5-fold increased risk of HIV transmission.STI testing can be simple and rapid. It entails going to a doctor’s office and/or a health facility. Depending on the STI, blood and urine samples, as well as swabs, may be collected. Others include a visual inspection for symptoms. There is no single test that can detect all STIs.
