Announcement: Our clinic is now named Love & Joy Family Clinic, formerly Virtue Medical Clinic (Sunset Way), rest-assured that everything else remains the same.
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Announcement: Our clinic is now named Love & Joy Family Clinic, formerly Virtue Medical Clinic (Sunset Way), rest-assured that everything else remains the same.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are common and can affect anyone who is sexually active. Regular STD testing is crucial for early detection, treatment, and preventing the spread of infections. Knowing the basics about STD testing, including its importance, process, and what to expect, empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health.
STD tests are medical screenings used to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These tests identify infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, herpes, and others, often before symptoms appear.
STD testing is a vital part of maintaining overall health for several reasons:
Many STDs have no symptoms in the early stages but can cause serious health issues if untreated.
Untreated STDs can lead to complications like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Early diagnosis reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
Knowing your STD status alleviates anxiety and fosters open, informed discussions with partners.
The frequency of STD testing depends on your sexual activity and risk factors:
Recommended annually for sexually active individuals.
Testing is advisable before engaging in unprotected sexual activity with a new partner.
Signs like unusual discharge, pain during urination, or sores require immediate testing.
Individuals with multiple partners, those who do not use condoms consistently, or those in communities with high STD rates should consider more frequent testing.
STD testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, but it is particularly important for:
This group accounts for a significant proportion of new STD cases.
Testing during pregnancy protects both the mother and the baby.
Increased frequency of testing is recommended due to higher rates of some STDs.
If your partner has tested positive, immediate testing is necessary.
STD testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, but it is particularly important for:
Share your sexual history and any symptoms to ensure appropriate testing.
Some tests may require abstinence from sexual activity or specific hygiene practices beforehand.
Understand which tests are being performed and why.
*SUITABLE FOR HOME-BASED SCREENING
HIV Ag/Ab screen
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
*SUITABLE FOR HOME-BASED SCREENING
HIV Ag/Ab screen
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2 IgG
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
Trichomonas vaginalis PCR
HIV Ag/Ab screen
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2 IgG
Hepatitis B & C
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
Trichomonas vaginalis PCR
Mycoplasma genitalium
Ureaplasma
UFEME/ urine culture
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2 IgG
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
Trichomonas vaginalis PCR
Syphilis screen (VDRL)
Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2 IgG
Hepatitis B & C
Chlamydia PCR
Gonorrhoea PCR
Trichomonas vaginalis PCR
Mycoplasma genitalium
Ureaplasma
UFEME/ urine culture
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections which spread during sexual activity through bodily fluids and contact with genitalia. They are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
The main STIs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis and Herpes. Fortunately, they can be easily screened for and they form the bedrock of STD testing.
Our doctor will conduct a history-taking to understand your concerns and screen for any symptoms, also to gauge your risk based on the last exposure. All medical information are kept strictly confidential in our clinic records only.
He will then make recommendations for appropriate STD test, which comprises of a blood draw, urine OR cervical/urethral swabs.
If necessary, treatment can also be done in the same setting through oral medications or injectables.
Do come with an open mind to share your concerns with our doctor. You may like to write down your list of questions to ask our doctor. There is no need to feel embarrassed as STDs are actually more common that you think – it’s more important to undergo appropriate and informed screening for your health and your partner’s health sake. All medical information are kept strictly confidential.
There is no need to fast before the tests. If you are afraid of pain from the needle, we have emla cream for a painless blood draw.
We employ PCR testing (polymerase chain reaction) for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomonas vaginalis, with high accuracy and sensitivity of up to 98%.
For HIV serology testing, our test have >99% sensitivity, therefore a negative test can be reassuring.
However do note that there is a ‘window period’ for HIV testing, which means that a repeat HIV test at least 6 weeks from the last high-risk exposure is necessary.
A urine specimen is more than sufficient for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas Vaginalis as PCR is highly accurate in picking up any minute ‘trace’ of the infection, as the ‘traces’ are amplified during the PCR testing.
An endocervical or urethral swab is required only for mycoplasma and ureaplasma testing as the results are sent to the microbiology for cultures.
Our Turnaround time (TAT) for blood tests and PCR tests is 1 to 2 working days. Herpes simplex type 1 & 2 blood test runs every Tuesday and Friday only. Ureaplasma and mycoplasma, urine culture are microbiology tests which takes 3 to 5 working days.