Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms, Tests and Prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can pass from person to person during sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Transmission can occur through vaginal, anal or oral contact, contact with lesions in an infected area or, for some infections, through blood and shared needles. Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth is also possible.

Some STDs may cause no symptoms for a long time. Therefore, feeling healthy does not mean that a person is not carrying an infection. However, the need for testing and the frequency of screening are not the same for everyone; they are determined by considering the person's history, symptoms, the timing and type of contact, pregnancy status and previous tests.

Who should consider STD testing?

In the following situations, it may be appropriate to discuss the need for testing with a doctor:

1. Contact with a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD or has symptoms
2. A new partner, multiple partners or situations where partners may have other partners
3. Contact without a condom or where the condom broke
4. Sores, discharge, warts or a rash in the genital, anal or oral area
5. Burning during urination, groin or testicular pain, pain during sexual intercourse or unexpected vaginal bleeding
6. A previous STD diagnosis
7. Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy
8. Sharing needles or injection equipment

These situations alone do not indicate that an infection is present. Testing recommendations vary depending on the infection, age, site of contact and individual risks. For example, the CDC recommends chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening for certain sexually active groups, while for other groups it plans assessment according to specific risks and sites of exposure. 

What are the symptoms of STDs?

If symptoms are present, they may vary depending on the infection. Possible symptoms include:

1. Changes in vaginal, penile or anal discharge
2. Burning or pain during urination
3. Sores, blisters or warts in the genital or anal area or around the mouth
4. Itching, rash or tenderness
5. Pain during sexual intercourse
6. Bleeding between periods
7. Testicular pain or swelling
8. Lower abdominal or groin pain

Some infections may cause no symptoms. General symptoms such as fever, fatigue or a rash are also not sufficient on their own to diagnose an STD. If you have symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional without waiting for test results.

How is STD testing performed?

No single sample type detects all STDs. The appropriate test is selected according to the suspected infection, the body site where contact occurred and the time elapsed since contact.

1. Blood tests: These may be used to assess infections such as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B/C. The type of test and follow-up tests vary depending on the infection and the timing of contact.
2. PCR/NAAT tests: Urine or a swab sample taken from the appropriate site may be used for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis. If oral or anal contact has occurred, a throat or rectal sample may be needed. Sampling sites are determined according to the clinical history. 

An STD PCR panel tests for the pathogens included in the panel; it does not automatically assess all STDs or all areas of the body. Since blood tests and PCR tests can investigate different infections, a comprehensive assessment may require more than one test or sample type. A healthcare professional should plan test selection according to the exposure and clinical history.

Testing immediately after contact may be too early for some infections. Whether a negative result rules out infection and when testing should be repeated must be assessed according to the test used. Learn about the Wellcare STD PCR panel.

What Are the Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

1. HIV / AIDS
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. Syphilis
5. Chlamydia
6. Ureaplasma
7. Mycoplasma
8. Trichomonas
9. Gonorrhoea (the clap)
10. HPV (Genital warts)
11. Herpes Simplex
12. Haemophilus ducreyi

How can STDs be prevented?

1. Correct and consistent condom use during vaginal, anal and oral sexual contact reduces the risk of transmission. However, condoms may not provide complete protection against HPV, herpes and syphilis, which can be transmitted through lesions on areas of skin not covered by the condom.
2. Discuss hepatitis B and HPV vaccination with your doctor according to your age and health status.
3. Talk openly with your partner about testing, protection and sexual health.
4. If there is a new or ongoing risk, discuss the appropriate testing frequency and possible HIV prevention options with a healthcare professional.
5. If an STD is diagnosed, partners' need for testing and treatment should also be assessed.

If a potential HIV exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, seek urgent medical care for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after exposure. 

Sexual health testing at Wellcare

Wellcare offers sexual health screening and STI PCR panel options. The choice of appropriate tests should be assessed based on symptoms, the timing and site of exposure, previous tests and the individual's medical history. Where necessary, blood testing may be planned alongside urine or swab sampling.

Explore sexual health screening and package options.

You can visit our Nicosia and Kyrenia branches for testing and sample collection.