Sexually Transmitted Disease Checks

Sexually transmissible infections are infectious diseases where the primary mode of transmission is through sexual contact. They may be transmitted from one person to another via:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal discharge
• Other body fluids

These infections may also spread through other nonsexual modes of transmission, such as mother to infant, during pregnancy or childbirth, sharing of infected needles, or infection through blood transfusion.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are three types of STD disease agents. These are:

• Viruses (human papillomavirus, genital herpes, HIV)
• Bacteria (gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia)
• Parasites (trichomonas)

Sexually transmissible diseases are a public health concern worldwide. STIs can increase the risk of other life-threatening conditions such as certain cancers, and can also cause congenital anomalies in unborn babies of infected mothers.

What are the Symptoms of STDs

STDs can present in many forms, but may also be asymptomatic. Some symptoms include:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth or anus
• Painful or burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
• Unexplained fever or rashes

While these symptoms may not be a definitive guide, you are advised to make an appointment with our practice to seek advice and testing.

What STDs Can be Screened?

Our doctors can order urine or blood tests to check for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis
• Genital warts or human papilloma virus (HPV), which may also cause cervical cancer in women, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)