What you should know
Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, HIV or hepatitis are more common than you might initially think – but the most common sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia. As a rule, most of these diseases are easily treatable, but in many cases they can be transmitted unnoticed and are long-lasting.
It is therefore advisable to have an STD test, especially when changing sexual partners, to ensure your own sexual health and to protect others. Here you can find out what a sexually transmitted disease test can look like and what you need to look out for.
In the case of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), a distinction must be made between a bacterial infection, such as chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea, and a viral pathogen such as herpes (HSV-2), hepatitis B or HIV. Not every disease can be cured straight away – in some cases, such as genital herpes and hepatitis B, the viruses can be contained, but remain in the body for life. STD tests are particularly important to get an early diagnosis, clarify concerns, recognize possible symptoms and start treatment as early as possible.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, HIV and hepatitis can be detected in the blood, which is why a blood test is carried out. The skin site is disinfected and the blood sample is taken in a few minutes and sent to the laboratory to be tested for the relevant antibodies and antigens.
If other diseases are suspected, a urine sample is collected in a sterile urine cup or a smear is taken to detect fungi and bacteria. There are different types of urine tests, each of which uses a different form of urine: First stream urine, midstream urine and 24-hour urine collection. Before carrying out the test, it is recommended that you clean your genital area with water so that the result is not distorted. Unlike the diseases mentioned above, these pathogens spread on the mucous membrane and attack the surrounding area, so they can continue to grow if the infection is left untreated. A urethral swab looks for the bacterial cells. If superficial symptoms are recognizable, these ulcers or blisters on the genital and anal area are swabbed and identified.
There are a few criteria that you can use as a guide when considering a sexually transmitted disease test. Transmissible infections spread through sexual contact, especially during unprotected sexual intercourse through mucous membranes, saliva and other bodily fluids.
Do you have many different sexual partners or have you changed your partner? If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse , then it is important not to give any further spread of transmissible infections a chance and to be sure about your own sexual health. Untreated infections may not show their first symptoms for days, weeks or even years. Even if you suspect that one of your former partners had a transmissible infection or it is confirmed to you, an STD test is advisable.
If you suspect that you are suffering from an acute infection or have noticed changes such as blisters, ulcers, warts or general skin changes in your intimate area, then you should carry out an STD test to be on the safe side. Pain when urinating can also be an indication of an infection.
Even if you are worried and have atypical symptoms or infections and are looking for clarity, a sexually transmitted disease test is recommended. The faster communicable diseases are found and treated, the less serious the consequences.
If you are still unsure whether a sexually transmitted disease test makes sense for you, then contact your doctor or a counseling center.
Untreated infections due to ignorance or neglect can have serious consequences. The longer the viruses or bacteria remain in the body, the further they spread and damage the body. You may experience discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. However, the infection can also spread to such an extent that it damages organs and/or the heart and brain. An untreated infection can also lead to infertility, inflammation and some types of cancer or severe immunodeficiency. Of course, it is important to know what type of disease it is and how far back the infection dates. In principle, however, it is important to get an early diagnosis and to contain the spread of infections by means of a sexually transmitted disease test.
Anyone can become infected with a communicable disease. You should not panic, but give your last partners information for the first time and explain the situation. These should also be tested as soon as possible. Then inform your doctor and start your treatment so that symptoms and the spread of the disease can be controlled, but in many cases the disease can also be completely cured.
With Probatix it is now very easy to have an STD test carried out and checked regularly. Simply contact Probatix Health and make an appointment!
Choose a suitable health test from our wide range of products.
At a Probatix partner near you, a small amount of blood will be taken professionally – usually with a small prick in the fingertip.
Your result will automatically appear in your personal health portal. Including explanations and timelines.
