Understanding STD Testing and Treatment
Engaging in sexual intercourse, including with several sex partners, may lead to questions about one's risk of getting an STD.
Testing is important because you can have a STD without knowing it. Indeed, many cases do not have symptoms at all. That's why many experts like to use the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs); you can have an infection without disease symptoms.
STD screening and treatment services at Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals
- Screening Initial Visit: Doctors take a full health history and check your risks.
- Lab Work: Blood and swab tests that diagnose common sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.
- Talking It Through: The doctor discusses the risk factors with you before and after the test to address ways of avoiding STDs and treatment options.
Testing for specific STIs
1. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea:
The following persons should get tested annually for these infections:
- Females who are more than 25 years with whom a person has one or more sexual partners in the past 12 months or in their lifetime.
- Secondly, men who are sexually experienced males who have had sexual contact with another male.
- Individuals infected with HIV.
- Transgender women who have sex with men.
- Men and women who have been sexually coercive or any other sexual force.
Screening of chlamydia and gonorrhoea is done with either a swab test or urine test. Then the specimen is studied in the laboratory. This screening is very vital because there might be a time when you do not present with any symptoms yet you are carrying the infection.
2. HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you are at increased risk, you should get tested for HIV annually or more often. National guidelines recommend screening for hepatitis B in adults aged 18 years and older at least once, with a test that measures a few of the many markers of the virus. General guidelines on hepatitis C screening recommend that all adults be tested. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and generally are given at birth. Vaccination is available to unvaccinated adults who are at risk for acquiring hepatitis A or B.
3. Genital herpes
Healthcare providers typically screen only for patients who have symptoms or other risk factors. However, most people infected with herpes never experience any symptoms and may still spread the herpes virus to others. Your health care provider may take a tissue sample or culture of blisters or early ulcers, if you have them, and send them to a lab for testing. But a negative test does not necessarily mean you do not have herpes, especially when you are symptomatic.
When to get tested
Screening advice changes based on body parts and risk factors:
Women: Active women under 25 should have yearly tests. Women over 25 should get checked if they have a new partner, or if their partner has an STI.
Pregnant women: Pregnant women under 25 should get tested. Women over 25 should get tested if they face any risk factors.
Remember to take all the antibiotics prescribed and steer clear of sex until your sores have healed.
STD Treatment Summary at Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals
- Antibiotic Treatment: When you suffer from a bacterial STD, then you will be prescribed antibiotics that best treat the infection.
- Antiviral Medications: When it is a case of a viral infection like HIV, then the hospital can give you antiretroviral treatment for control of your condition.
- Follow-up Care: The person being treated is followed up closely, and in case there are side effects or complications arising through the treatment process.
- Learning and Prevention: You will be counselled on safe practices and strategies for the further prevention of STDs with a comprehensive approach to improving health.
Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals ensures complete confidentiality and gives holistic care to all patients in an encouraging environment for your treatment.
This systematic approach enables the best care and support at every stage during your healthcare journey.