Sexual Health Screening

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

'Sexually transmitted diseases' (STDs), as the name suggests, are infections caused by microorganisms acquired during sexual activity. Many STDs show no signs and cause no complaints for a long time. However, they can confront you with very serious complications and continue to be transmitted during sexual activity. The causative agents are bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The most common sexually transmitted diseases are:

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Mycoplasma genitalium
4. Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus) (HSV)
5. Genital warts (human papillomavirus) (HPV)
6. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
7. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
8. Syphilis
9. Trichomonas
10. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Everyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Most of these infections can be transmitted not only through vaginal and anal sex, but also through oral and other forms of sexual activity.  For example, herpes and HPV can be transmitted by skin contact alone. In addition, HIV and HBV are also transmitted by other routes, such as contact with blood and body fluids.

What is sexually transmitted disease screening?

Sexually transmitted diseases often cause no complaints. You may not be aware that you are infected, and you can pass the infection on to your partner. This is why screening for sexually transmitted diseases becomes very important. The basis of this screening is a series of tests performed to determine whether people without complaints have a sexually transmitted disease. Feel safe for yourself and your partner with the Sexual Health Package screening you can have at our laboratory. Every test has a window period; after a recent risky contact, a negative result does not rule out infection, and the test may be repeated.

People at risk of sexually transmitted diseases are advised to get screened even if they feel well or have no complaints. For example, if you have unprotected sex with a new partner, you are at risk of chlamydia infection. By screening you for chlamydia, your doctor can catch the infection early, treat it before serious problems develop, and prevent the risk of you spreading it to others.

There are different screening tests for each sexually transmitted microorganism.  Most agents can be detected with blood or urine tests. When you decide to get screened for sexually transmitted diseases, your doctor will decide which tests are necessary.

Who should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases?

Which test is appropriate for whom varies according to the person's sex and sexual activity habits.

1. All adults and adolescents aged 13-64 should be screened for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
2. All sexually active girls and women < 25 years of age should be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
3. Those > 25 years of age who have multiple partners, a new partner, unprotected intercourse or a partner diagnosed with an STD should be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
4. Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B at their first examination. In addition, pregnant women <25 years of age or with multiple partners should also be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Screenings should be repeated at appropriate weeks according to test results.
5. Women infected with HIV should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. Women who are HIV carriers also need to be screened for trichomonas at least once a year.

The recommendations above are general recommendations. Depending on other agents and sexual activity habits, some people may need other screening tests. You can clarify this with your doctor. You can review the Sexual Health Package screening you can have at our laboratory.