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Getting an STI test- what doctors check for
What’s included in an STI test?
- Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause no symptoms.
- That’s why regular testing (e.g. every 6-12 months) is important if you are sexually active, particularly if you have many partners and/or do not always use a condom.
- If you ask a doctor for an STI test, there are many infections that can be checked for.
- Some people just want a urine test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium, others may want a full check for bloodborne infections including tests for Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
- Here are the infections which are commonly covered by a routine STI test- however, it’s important to ask your doctor what they are including.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
- These infections can be caught by having vaginal, oral or anal sex.
- Both can be tested via a urine sample, though swabs from the urethra, vagina, anus or throat may be needed if there are specific symptoms.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea may be silent, but can also cause symptoms such as vaginal or penile discharge, discomfort when passing urine, anal irritation and discharge.
- In women, there may also be unexpected vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse and pelvic pain.
- More serious complications include infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic infection. Gonorrhoea can also cause a sore throat, and chlamydia may cause conjunctivitis (eye infection).
- Antibiotics can cure both of these infections.
In more recent times, urine testing for Mycoplasma Gentalium is commonly included. This infection is
Syphilis
- This is a rare but potentially very serious STI, caused by a bacteria.
- It is more common in men- particularly men who have sex with men.
- It is spread through skin to skin contact with an infected area.
- At the start, a person gets a hard painless sore at the site of sexual contact- it can be in the genital region but may also be somewhere less obvious, such as the cervix or mouth.
- The sore heals after a few weeks, but the infection does not go away, and a person will still be able to pass it on to others. Later, there may then be a generalised rash all over the body and a flu-like illness.
- In rare cases, syphilis can be spread from an infected woman to her unborn baby
- If untreated, syphilis can go on to affect various body organs, cause serious damage to the brain and heart. This is known as tertiary syphilis.
- It is usually diagnosed by a blood test, though if a skin sore is present, a swab may also be taken
- Antibiotics can cure the early stages of syphilis, but are not as effective in the later stages.
- Testing for Syphilis may not be routinely included in an STI test- it’s important to ask your doctor about what’s they’re checking you for.
HIV, Hepatitis B and C
- These viruses can be spread through unprotected sex or through exposure to infected body fluids, including blood.
- Hence, they are also an issue for intravenous drug users, or healthcare workers exposed to infected needles/sharps.
- All of these viruses can be silent.
- Hepatitis B and C cause inflammation of the liver, which may lead to jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Hepatitis B immunisation is now a routine part of childhood vaccinations in Australia, which means many people are protected against it (though the vaccine does not work in everyone).
- Initial infection with HIV may cause a flu-like illness in some people. Over time HIV can cause the immune system to become weak, leading to repeated infections.
- Only a few decades ago these viruses had a bad prognosis, but treatment has greatly advanced- nowadays most infected individuals can live a relatively normal healthy life.
- A blood sample will be needed if you want to be checked for these viruses as part of your STI test
Genital Herpes
- This is caused by the Type 2 herpes virus (HSV2), though sometimes HSV1 (the cold sore virus) may be to blame.
- Infection may cause painful ulcers or irritation of the genital skin.
- Around 1 in 8 people are silent carriers. It’s hard to diagnose in this silent state- there are blood tests but they are not very reliable- for this reason it’s not included in a standard STI test.
- The best way to diagnose Genital Herpes is by swabbing active skin lesions, ulcers or irritation in the genital region.
- If you get HSV2 once, it never leaves your body, so you may get flare-ups from time to time.
- Antiviral tablets can be taken to treat Genital Herpes- most commonly as a short course, when a flare up occurs.
- However, if a person is having frequent flare-ups, preventive daily treatment may be prescribed.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
- This is an STI that fewer people will have heard of, and may not always be included in routine STI test
- A bit like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, it may be silent.
- In men it can cause discomfort when passing urine, and discharge from the penis. In women, it can cause vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain during sex, and discomfort when passing urine.
- It’s diagnosed via a genital swab or urine test. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
- As awareness has only started to increase about Mycoplasma Genitalium, it’s not always included in a standard STI test- so, ask your doctor if you’re concerned about it.
Further information about getting an STI test
If you need further information about having an STI test, speak to your GP, sexual health clinic or read more at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre website.
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