STD also known as sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infectious disease that generally spreads from one person to another through intimate contacts. Some of the sexually transmitted diseases are – HIV, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Genital warts, Gonorrhoea, some forms of Hepatitis, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis, etc.
Among these, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are caused by bacterial STDs. HIV, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts (HPV) and Hepatitis B, on the other hand, are caused by viral STDs. And, trichomoniasis is caused by parasites.
Who should be tested for STDs?
An STD test is recommended to a person who was and is sexually active. It is especially a good idea to get tested against STD if you are:-
• About to begin a new relationship.
• Planning to have unprotected sex.
• Engaging in a sexual act with more than one partner
• Noticing symptoms of STD.
Types of STD Tests: Blood and Urine
There are many different kinds of STDs that can be detected using a urine or blood test. The common STDs that can be diagnosed using the two effective tests are as follows:-
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis
Tests against Specific STDs
• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing is performed either through a urine examination or through vaginal, cervical or urethral swabs. The sample collected is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis: HIV testing has always been encouraged by The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), at least once in a year as a part of a routine check-up. Teenagers aging between 15- 25 years, are at a high risk of getting affected by STD and hence must get a STD test done once in a year. HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis are recommended to those –
- who have more than one sexual partner for a long period,
- Use intravenous (IV) drugs,
- Forced to do an intercourse or engage in sexual activities against the will of the other partner.
• Genetial Herpes: A blood test helps detect Herpes infection, which can differentiate between the two main types of the Herpes virus. However, the results may not be completely clear and depend on the sensitivity of the test and the stage of the infection.
• HPV Test: Several types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer while other varieties of HPV cause genital warts. There is no HPV screening test available for men. Whereas, in women, HPV testing involves:
- Pap test: Pap test is used to check for abnormal cells in the cervix and are recommended every three years for women between the age of 21 to 65 years.
- HPV Test: Women aging over 30 years are suggested the option to have HPV test along with Pap test in every five years, provided that the previous tests were normal. An HPV test is recommended to women between the age of 21-30 years if they have had abnormal results on their Pap test.
Several types of vaccines can protect both men and women from some types of HPV, but are most effective when taken before a sexual activity begins.
