Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are passed from an individual carrying the disease to a healthy individual through sexual contact. The most common route of transmission for Sexually Transmitted Diseases is unprotected sexual intercourse. As the number of sexual partners increases, the risk of contracting any sexually transmitted disease increases. Having sexual intercourse with more than one person, or with people who also have other partners, is dangerous.

They can be passed from the mother at birth and cause infection in the newborn. The microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases can be carried in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Individuals who appear healthy can carry these diseases and transmit them to other individuals during sexual contact. Because most sexually transmitted diseases cause no symptoms in the early period, the disease cannot be noticed.

Who Is at Risk?

1. Individuals who have had unprotected intercourse
2. Those who carry any sexually transmitted disease
3. Individuals who have had and recovered from one of the sexually transmitted diseases (An individual who has had one STD has an increased risk of carrying another STD, because these organisms are usually carried together.)
4. All sexually active individuals, since many sexually transmitted diseases cause no symptoms
5. Individuals who are not sure that their partner does not carry a disease
6. Individuals who show symptoms in the genital area
7. Individuals who have more than one sexual partner
8. Individuals who use drugs (When syringes are shared, serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis can be transmitted.)

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases have many different symptoms, and various combinations of these symptoms can be seen in infected individuals. One important point to note is that the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases seen in the early stage can improve within a few weeks. However, the disease continues and may cause late-stage complications in the future. Most Sexually Transmitted Diseases can progress without symptoms, or the symptoms may not be obvious.

1. Fever
2. Muscle or joint pain
3. Skin rashes
4. Headache
5. Diarrhea
6. Nausea and Vomiting
7. Changes in vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
8. Vaginal itching
9. Penile discharge
10. Burning or pain on urination
11. Warts in the genital area
12. Pain during sexual intercourse
13. Swelling and pain of the testicles
14. Bleeding between periods

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Test

Detecting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) early with tests is of great importance for stopping the complications that may develop in the patient and for preventing the transmission of the disease to other individuals. Because clinical symptoms are often insufficient, particularly in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, a screening test should be performed. HIV, hepatitis B/C and syphilis are investigated with blood tests; chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas are investigated with urine/swab PCR. 

What Are the Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

• HIV / AIDS
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Ureaplasma
• Mycoplasma
• Trichomonas
• Gonorrhea
• HPV (Genital warts)
• Herpes Simplex

Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases

As the surest way of protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), avoiding suspicious intercourse and choosing long-term, monogamous sexual relationships is recommended. In men and women, condom use reduces the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. After a suspicious sexual contact, see an Infectious Diseases Specialist. Or, even if you have no complaints, you can have our sexual health package done.

To have your test done in Northern Cyprus, please contact our Nicosia or Kyrenia branch. We wish you good health!