- STI
STI diagnosis: understanding the testing process and results
Written by: Editors
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections primarily spread through sexual contact. Regular testing is essential, especially if you have an active sex life or multiple partners. In this article, we’ll explore the process of diagnosing STIs, from testing to understanding the results. We’ll focus on the importance of timely detection, the different types of tests available, and what your results could mean.
STIs can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Some STIs show no symptoms, allowing them to go undetected and unknowingly passed on to others. Regular testing helps protect not only your health but also the health of your partners.
Types of STI tests and how they work
The method of testing depends on the specific STI and any symptoms you may have. Here are some common tests and how they are performed:
Urine test
• Purpose: Detects chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
• Procedure: You’ll be given a sterile container to provide a urine sample, usually the first urine of the day. This is then analysed in a lab.
Blood test
• Purpose: Detects HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.
• Procedure: A healthcare provider will take a small blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood is then tested for antibodies or antigens that indicate an infection.
Swab test
• Purpose: Detects HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.
• Procedure for women: A cervical swab is taken using a cotton swab or other instrument to collect a sample of mucus.
• Procedure for men: A swab is taken from the urethra.
Physical examination
• Purpose: Diagnoses STIs like genital warts or herpes.
• Procedure: A doctor will visually examine the genital area to diagnose the condition.
Understanding your results
After your tests, it’s important to understand what the results mean. Here are some possible outcomes:
• Negative: A negative result means that no traces of the tested STI were found. However, some infections take time to show up in tests, so you may need a follow-up test if you’ve been at risk recently.
• Positive: A positive result means you have an STI. It’s essential to start treatment immediately and inform your sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated.
• Inconclusive: Sometimes, the results can be unclear, meaning the test didn’t give a definitive answer. This could happen due to a testing error or because the infection is in its early stages. A repeat test may be necessary.
What to do if you test positive
If you receive a positive result, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps:
- Start treatment: Many STIs are treatable with medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Inform your partners: Let your sexual partners know they need to get tested.
- Avoid sex: Refrain from sexual activity until your treatment is complete, and a doctor has confirmed the infection is gone.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: You can resume sexual activity 7 days after completing treatment.
- Syphilis: Wait 14 days after treatment before being sexually active.
- Herpes and HIV: Consult with your doctor before resuming sexual activity. - Follow-up tests: Sometimes, additional tests are needed to confirm the treatment has worked.
Prevention and responsibility
Preventing STIs is always better than curing them. Always use condoms during sexual activity, and consider regular testing if you have multiple partners. Open and honest communication with your partners about sexual health is also crucial.
Conclusion
Getting tested for STIs is an important step in maintaining your health and preventing the spread of infections. By understanding how the tests work and what the results mean, you can make informed decisions about your health. Remember, regular testing, practising safe sex, and open communication are key to maintaining good sexual health.
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