Sexually Transmitted Disease Panel (STD)
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)
WHO estimates that approximately 374 million new infections with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis occurred in total in the 15–49 age group in 2020.
Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and, in some cases, through genital skin contact. This group includes chlamydia, gonorrhoea (the clap), syphilis (the pox), trichomoniasis, HPV, genital herpes, HIV and hepatitis B.
Many of these infections may cause no symptoms. The absence of symptoms does not mean that there is no infection. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help protect your health and reduce the risk of transmission to your partner.
Protect your sexual health with the right sample, appropriate testing and specialist assessment.
At Wellcare Laboratories, the STD PCR panel tests for 12 targets associated with microorganisms that are important in the assessment of sexually transmitted or genital infections. The panel uses molecular diagnostic technology of European origin to examine the genetic material of microorganisms in the collected sample.
Tests should be selected according to your symptoms, the type of contact, the site to be sampled and your individual risks. Not every microorganism included in a broad panel needs to be screened for in every person without symptoms.
What are STDs, and why are they important?
Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are infections that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact. Some may be present without causing symptoms.
Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, in particular, may be associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and fertility problems if left untreated. Screening appropriate individuals helps detect infection early and plan the necessary treatment.
Which symptoms require assessment?
Medical assessment is recommended if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
- Bleeding after intercourse or between periods
- Sores or blisters in the genital area
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Pain, discharge or bleeding in the anal area
These symptoms are not exclusive to sexually transmitted infections. A physical examination and a history of sexual contact should be assessed together to select appropriate tests.
Who should be screened according to the CDC?
Screening means testing for infection in people without symptoms. If symptoms are present or a partner has been diagnosed with an infection, assessment is needed regardless of the routine screening intervals below.
| Person / situation | CDC approach |
|---|---|
| Sexually active women under 25 | Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. |
| Women aged 25 and over at increased risk | Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea if risk factors are present, such as a new partner, multiple partners or a partner with an STD. |
| Low-risk heterosexual men without symptoms | There is insufficient evidence to support routine chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening for everyone; the need for testing is assessed according to individual risk and local circumstances. |
| Men who have sex with men | Screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis at least annually; assessment every 3–6 months if risk persists. The sampling site for chlamydia and gonorrhoea is selected according to the type of contact. |
| Pregnant women | Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in those under 25 and older women at increased risk; repeat testing in the third trimester if risk persists. Syphilis screening for all pregnant women at the initial antenatal assessment. |
The age- and risk-based recommendations for chlamydia and gonorrhoea are consistent with CDC guidelines.
Screening is tailored to the person's anatomy, sites of contact and medical history. Appropriate blood tests may also be needed for infections such as HIV and syphilis. CDC recommendations do not mean that all 12 targets in this panel should be routinely tested for in everyone.
Which targets are tested for in the Wellcare STD PCR panel?
| Target investigated | Role in clinical assessment |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia trachomatis — serovars A–K | Investigation of chlamydial infections |
| Chlamydia trachomatis — serovars L1–L3 | Assessment of the group associated with lymphogranuloma venereum — LGV |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Gonorrhoea — the clap |
| Trichomonas vaginalis | Trichomonas infection |
| Mycoplasma genitalium | Assessment of particularly persistent or recurrent urethritis and cervicitis |
| Mycoplasma hominis | Detection requiring interpretation alongside clinical findings |
| Ureaplasma urealyticum | Detection requiring differentiation between colonisation and clinical disease |
| Ureaplasma parvum | Detection requiring differentiation between colonisation and clinical disease |
| Herpes simplex virus type 1 — HSV-1 | Investigation of genital herpes using an appropriate lesion sample |
| Herpes simplex virus type 2 — HSV-2 | Investigation of genital herpes using an appropriate lesion sample |
| Treponema pallidum | Support for the diagnosis of syphilis using an appropriate lesion sample |
| Haemophilus ducreyi | Investigation of the causative organism of chancroid — soft chancre |
The panel's broad scope does not mean that a single sample can reliably rule out all infections. Sample type, site of contact and timing of the test are important when interpreting the result.
How is the STD PCR test performed?
A urine or swab sample is collected depending on the infection being investigated and the sample types suitable for the test used.
Investigation of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in men: First-catch urine is often preferred.
Investigation of chlamydia in women: A vaginal swab is one of the preferred samples for molecular tests; first-catch urine may also be used.
Oral or anal contact: Assessment using throat or rectal samples with tests validated for that site may be necessary. A urine test does not rule out infections at these sites.
Genital sores or blisters: A sample may need to be collected directly from the lesion, particularly when assessing herpes and syphilis.
First-catch urine is the initial portion of the urine stream; it is not the same as midstream urine. Please obtain preparation instructions from our laboratory before providing a sample.
Does the panel replace blood tests for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis?
No. This PCR panel does not replace screening for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. HPV is also assessed using a separate test.
The inclusion of Treponema pallidum in the panel does not mean that blood tests for syphilis are unnecessary. Treponemal tests and tests such as RPR/VDRL are used together in the assessment of syphilis. In particular, a negative PCR result from urine or a genital swab is not sufficient to rule out syphilis.
Why choose Wellcare for STD PCR testing?
1- European molecular diagnostic technology: A PCR-based method is used, allowing multiple targets to be investigated in the same analytical process.
2- ISO 13485 manufacturer quality system: The manufacturer of the technology used has an ISO 13485-certified quality management system for medical devices.
3- Assessment of 12 targets: Helps investigate different infectious agents together according to clinical need.
4- ISO 15189-accredited laboratory: Wellcare Laboratories holds ISO 15189 accreditation. Up-to-date information on the tests and sites covered by the accreditation is available from our laboratory.
5- Specialist physician assessment: Results are assessed alongside symptoms, sample type and contact history. Avoiding unnecessary treatment is important, particularly for results associated with colonisation.
STD PCR testing in Northern Cyprus
For information about the STD PCR panel, suitable sample types and appointments, you can contact our branches at Nicosia Wellcare Health Clinic, Nicosia Miracle Hospital and Kyrenia Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital.
Sexually transmitted diseases (12 pathogens)First morning urine / Genital swab
- HSV-1, HSV-2
- Note: Herpes PCR is reliable on swabs from active sores/blisters; a negative result in the absence of sores does not rule out herpes.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhoea)
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)
- Note: Syphilis PCR is only meaningful when an active sore is present; screening and diagnosis are performed using blood tests (TPHA/TPPA + RPR/VDRL).
- Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum
- Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium
- Note: Ureaplasma and M. hominis are commonly detected, and their presence alone does not require treatment; if M. genitalium is positive, macrolide resistance testing is recommended.
- Chlamydia trachomatis (A-K + L1-L3)
- Haemophilus ducreyi
General Information on STIs
Symptoms usually appear within 30 days of sexual contact. Small, painful blisters on the genital area or oral mucosa last 1-3 weeks. HSV-2 is the most common viral agent responsible for genital herpes, causing infection in more than 500 million people each year.
Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia)
Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after sexual intercourse. Women: Thick yellow or grey vaginal discharge. Irregular periods and abdominal cramps may occur. Men: Scant, watery or whitish discharge from the penis and swollen or tender testicles may occur. Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhoea)
Women: Vaginal itching, burning or irritation may occur. Yellow, greenish or grey vaginal discharge may be observed. Men: Thick, yellow-green discharge from the penis. Burning or pain during urination. Frequent urination may occur. Each year, N. gonorrhoeae causes 78 million new STIs and is one of the most common bacterial agents.
Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms vary. However, there are also cases with no symptoms. T. vaginalis is the most common parasitic (protozoan) agent, causing 142 million new infections each year.
Gardnerella vaginalis (Bacterial Vaginosis)
A common symptom is vaginal discharge. The discharge is white/yellow and has a fishy odour. There may also be burning during urination and itching around the vagina or on both sides of the external genital area.
Painless ulcers in the mouth or genital area appear 1-12 weeks after sexual intercourse and last 2-6 weeks. Stage 2: Flu-like symptoms, rash, weight loss and loss of appetite. During the period known as the latent stage, although there are no symptoms, tests are positive for the disease and it is infectious. Each year, T. pallidum causes 5.6 million new STIs and is one of the most common bacterial agents.
Haemophilus ducreyi (Soft Chancre/Chancroid)
Chancroid, also known as soft chancre, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi
They rarely cause symptoms. Burning during urination and discharge may occur.
They rarely cause symptoms. Burning during urination and discharge may occur.
About sexually transmitted infections
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get tested for sexually transmitted infections in Northern Cyprus?
You can visit Wellcare’s Nicosia and Kyrenia branches for STI testing. The tests and samples required are determined based on your symptoms and exposure history.
Does the STI PCR panel detect all sexually transmitted infections?
No. The panel only tests for the targets it includes. Separate tests are required for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HPV. Appropriate blood tests should also be used to assess syphilis.
How many days after unprotected sex should I get tested?
There is no single timeframe that applies to all infections. The timing of testing depends on the infection being investigated, the site of exposure and the method used. A negative result obtained too early may require repeat testing. If you have symptoms or your partner has been diagnosed, seek medical assessment without delay.
Do I need STI testing if I have no symptoms?
Some infections can be present without symptoms. However, not everyone needs a broad panel. Targeted screening recommended by the CDC can be planned based on your age, partner history and individual risks.
Can STI testing be performed using urine in women and men?
Some infections can be tested for using an appropriate urine sample. First-catch urine is often preferred for men, while a vaginal swab or first-catch urine may be suitable for women. Different samples may be required for infections involving sores, the throat or the rectum.
Does a negative urine culture mean I do not have chlamydia or gonorrhoea?
A negative routine urine culture does not rule out these infections. Appropriate molecular tests or pathogen-specific methods are required to investigate chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If burning and discharge persist, your doctor may arrange additional tests.
Does a positive result for Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma hominis always require treatment?
No. These microorganisms can be present without causing disease. The result is assessed alongside symptoms and other findings. Mycoplasma genitalium is a different organism and should not be interpreted in the same way.
Does a negative STI PCR result definitively rule out infection?
No. A negative result means that the targets tested for were not detected in the sample collected. Additional assessment may be needed if testing was performed too early, the sample was collected from an inappropriate site or an infection not covered by the panel is present.
If my test is positive, should my partner also be assessed?
For infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, partner assessment and treatment, when necessary, are important. However, not every positive result on the panel requires the same approach. Your doctor will determine a follow-up plan for you and your partner based on the organism detected.
How much does STI testing cost, and when will the results be available?
At Wellcare Laboratories, results for the STI PCR panel, which tests for 12 targets, are ready within 2 working days. You can contact our Nicosia or Kyrenia branches for information on current test pricing, sample collection and appointments. Additional investigations, such as blood tests for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, are considered separately.
Can I have more comprehensive sexual health screening?
Yes. In addition to the STI PCR panel, blood tests for infections such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C may be arranged based on your individual risks and exposure history. For information about more comprehensive sexual health screening options, you can visit our Check-up Panels page or contact our Wellcare branches. The tests suitable for you and their timing are determined following a medical assessment.