Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screen

Question 1. What are the common STDs?

Common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) include gonorrhoea, syphilis, Chlamydia, and HIV infections. Other infections transmitted through sexual intercourse include herpes simplex virus, Hepatitis B, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), genital warts, donovanosis, chancroid, trichomoniasis, and gardenella vaginalis (bacterial vaginosis).

However, STD screen initially means screening for signs of gonorrhoea, chlamydiae and syphilis infection. For diagnosis of other infections your doctor will advise you accordingly if any specific testing is required depending on your presentation or complaints. 

 Question 2. Who should be screened? 

Sexual transmitted infections are so prevalent in our community that you should be tested under following circumstances. 

Unprotected sex with stranger

Sex with someone with STD

Painful urination

Discharge form penis or vagina

Smelly vagina secretions

Lower abdominal pain

Groin swelling and genital ulcers

Testicular pain or swelling

Miscarriage

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Acutely painful knee joint 

Unexplained skin rash

Loss of balance/dizziness

Painful Intercourse

Stinging Sensation on urination

 Question 3. How is STD Screen Tests done?

A sample of blood and urine is required for STD screen.  In some cases, swab from urethra, genital ulcer lesion or in female from cervix is taken via same procedure as Pap smear (see Genital swab). In the laboratory, bacterium is identified by dipstick test or growth on culture media or stained using special stains to reveal the identity of the bacteria under the microscope. HIV and HBV screen is not done as a STD screen unless specifically requested by you or your doctor. (See HIV and HBV screen)

 Question 4. What happens with my results?

All your results are usually sent back to your doctor or clinic. The laboratory personnel are not allowed to give out your results to anyone, not even your partner or relative without your permission. All laboratory results are strictly confidential between you, the laboratory and your doctor.

 Question 5. My Partner does not have symptoms. Does he/she need treatment?

If you have been tested positive, your partner/s should also have STD test done. You do not have to complaint of symptoms e.g. urethral or vaginal discharge in order to have STD. Many carry the bacteria without any symptoms. It is now a standard practise to treat your partner even if he or she has no complaints.

 Questions 6. Can STD be cured?

Yes. Unlike HIV or AIDS, effective treatments are available for majority of STDs especially if diagnosed and treated early. Common antibiotics such as amoxicillin and doxycycline are very effective. However, resistant strains are also increasing due to widespread use of antibiotics. Your doctor will suspect this if you do not respond well to initial antibiotics.  Laboratory testing is very important in this case in identifying resistant bacteria.

 Question 7. My results come back as negative. Does that mean I have no STD?

No. Sometimes your test may still show negative result despite you having the infection. A lot of factors affect the outcome of laboratory results. Your doctor assesses your risk and complaints in making a decision to treat you. You should complete the treatment prescribed to you.

 Question 8. Can I repeat the test to see if I am cleared?

If you have completed your medication properly, there is no need for repeat testing. However, if you have persistent or recurrent symptoms or feel that you may be re-infected, it is a good idea to visit your doctor for assessment and opinion on further testing and treatment.

 Question 9. What is the best specimen?  

The specimen type depends on your type or site of infection and symptoms. The best sample is that taken before starting any treatment or antibiotics. Below outlines examples of infection and samples taken.

Question 10. I was treated for STD but I continue to suffer from abdominal pain. Do I still have bacteria in my system?

There are many causes of abdominal pain. If you have completed your medications and you are still having abdominal pain, go see your doctor for assessment and advice. Common reasons are;

You are partially treated,

You are infected with resistant bacteria,

You are infected with another ‘bug’

You have complication from STD (pelvic pain)

You have another cause for abdominal pain (e.g., endometriosis)

Further Information.

https://www.cdc.gov/std/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)