Sexually Transmitted Infections Panel (STI)

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

The WHO estimates that in 2020 there were about 374 million new infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomonas combined among people aged 15–49.

Sexually transmitted infections are infections that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and, in some cases, through genital skin contact. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas, HPV, genital herpes, HIV and hepatitis B are in this group.

Many of these infections can progress without symptoms. The absence of symptoms does not mean there is no infection. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help protect a person's health and reduce the risk of transmission to their partner.

IN WHICH SITUATIONS DOES THE RISK INCREASE?

1. Having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom
2. Having a new or multiple sexual partners
3. A partner having an STI diagnosis or symptoms suggestive of infection
4. Having had an STI before
5. Neglecting protective measures under the influence of alcohol or substances

Anyone who is sexually active may be at risk for STIs. Correct and consistent condom use reduces the risk; however, it may not provide complete protection against infections that can be transmitted by skin contact, such as HPV and genital herpes.

WHAT SYMPTOMS MAY OCCUR?

Symptoms vary according to the type of infection and the site involved. They may appear days, weeks or months after contact; in some people no symptoms develop at all.

Symptoms that may occur in women

1. Change in the amount, color or smell of vaginal discharge
2. Burning or pain when urinating
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
4. Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
5. Bleeding outside the menstrual period or after intercourse
6. Sores, blisters, warts or itching in the genital area

Symptoms that may occur in men

1. Discharge from the penis
2. Burning or pain when urinating
3. Itching or irritation at the tip of the penis
4. Pain or swelling in the testicles
5. Sores, blisters or warts in the genital area
6. In both sexes, pain, discharge or bleeding in the anal area may occur. Since these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases, a physician's evaluation and appropriate tests are required for diagnosis.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?

A healthcare professional should be consulted if there has been a risky contact, if a partner has been diagnosed with an STI, or if there are symptoms suggestive of infection. Even without symptoms, screening may be recommended depending on personal risk.

The type of test, the site from which the sample will be taken and the timing of the test are determined according to the type of contact, the time elapsed since then and the infection being investigated. Tests performed too early may not detect the infection, and repeat testing may be necessary.

STI General Information

HSV 1/2 (Genital Herpes)

Symptoms usually appear within 30 days after 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, which causes infection in more than 500 million people every year.

Chlamydia Trachomatis  (Chlamydia)

Symptoms may appear 2-21 days after sex. Women: Thick yellow or gray vaginal discharge. They may experience abnormal periods and abdominal cramps. Men: A scant, watery or whitish discharge from the penis and swollen or tender testicles may be observed. Chlamydia is often without symptoms.

Neisseria Gonorrhea  (Gonorrhea)

In women: There may be itching, burning or irritation in the vagina. Yellow, greenish or gray vaginal discharge may be observed. Men: Thick, yellow-green discharge from the penis. Burning or painful urination. Frequent urination may be observed. Every year N. Gonorrhea causes 78 million new STIs and is among the most common bacterial agents.

Trichomonas Vaginalis

Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease. The causative agent of the disease is a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms of the disease vary. However, there are also cases in which it causes no symptoms at all. T. Vaginalis is the most common parasitic (protozoan) agent, causing 142 million new infections every year.

Gardnerella Vaginalis  (Bacterial Vaginosis)

The common symptom is vaginal discharge. The discharge is white/yellow and has a fishy odor. There may also be burning when urinating; there may be itching in or around the outer parts of the vagina.

Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis)

Painless ulcers in the mouth or genital area lasting 2-6 weeks, appearing 1-12 weeks after sexual intercourse. Stage 2: Flu-like symptoms, rash, weight loss and loss of appetite; in the period we call the latent stage, even though there are no symptoms of the disease, tests show that the disease is positive and it is contagious. Every year T. Pallidum causes 5.6 million new STIs and is among the most common bacterial agents.

Haemophilus ducreyi (Chancroid)

Chancroid, also called soft chancre, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.

Ureaplasma Urealyticum/Parvum

They rarely cause symptoms. Burning during urination and discharge may be observed.

Mycoplasma Hominis/Genitalium

They rarely cause symptoms. Burning during urination and discharge may be observed.