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When do you get tested for an STI? An STI test is the only way to be sure that you have an STI or not. You can have an STI without being bothered by anything, but then you are contagious to others. It is therefore wise to have an STI test done when:
- You have had unsafe sex
- You have symptoms such as warts, blisters, burning pee or more discharge than normal
- The condom is torn
- You are in a new relationship and want to have sex without a condom
- You have been warned
- You are pregnant and do not want to transfer an STI
*Read more about testing without complaints in our blog.
How does an STI examination work?
We are often asked how an STI test at our clinic works. Below you can read the steps we take to test and treat you for STIs.
You make an appointment for an STI test at OneDayClinic. Then how does it go on?
After you have made the appointment, a confidential conversation with the doctor will follow. During this conversation, a number of personal questions will be asked in order to assess the risk that you have run for STIs. Based on these risks, the doctor will advise you on which tests to take in your situation. Together with you, a decision will be made about which tests you ultimately want to have done.
What STIs can I have?
You will be asked a number of questions: whether you have had sex with men, women or both sexes and whether oral, anal or vaginal sex took place. This is asked because the STIs chlamydia and gonorrhea can occur in different locations in your body. Infections with these STIs, which are caused by bacteria, remain fairly localized and do not spread easily through your body or blood. You might have contracted chlamydia in your anus and not in your throat even though you had anal and oral sex.
Should I take off my clothes?
Physical examination is often not necessary. HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C are excluded through a blood test. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested in men through urine and in women through a "selfswab" (or cotton swab). If oral and anal sex has taken place, this is ruled out via an anal swab or throat swab. You can do this yourself, or you can leave this to the doctor.
- Urinalysis
The test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in men can be done with a urine sample. When you are infected, bacteria can be found in the urine in particular. In women, a self-swab is more reliable than a urine test.
- Blood test
Syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV can be detected by blood tests.
- Selfswab smear
A smear test involves taking fluid from the vagina. This determines the presence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea. This does not hurt. Because chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be found at various locations (vaginal/canal/throat), extra swabs may have to be taken. The doctor will determine during the initial interview whether this is necessary.
Do you have complaints that indicate an STI? Then don't wait and make an appointment for an STI test.
What do I need to pay attention to prior to the test?
When making the appointment, it is important to take the window phase into account. The window phase is the period between the sexual contact (possible moment of infection) and the ability of the test to detect the infection. For tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, we apply two weeks after sexual contact (on indication, this can sometimes be earlier). For HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, we apply three months.
The man must not have been to the toilet for at least three hours or take morning urine.
When do I get the results?
Once you have had an STI test, the urine, swab or blood will be tested in the laboratory. You will receive the results of the test within two working days and can be requested via our test results portal. Click here to view your test results directly.
Treatment of an STI
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. You can also go to the OneDayClinic for this treatment. HIV, however, is more difficult to treat. There are medications to suppress these STIs and their symptoms, but not to remove the viruses from the body. OneDayClinic will guide and refer you to a specialist in the hospital for further treatment.
Alerting your partner
If you have an STI, it is important that you warn your partner(s). Do not only warn your current partner, but also your ex-partners. They can also have the STI without showing any symptoms. They can pass it on to their partners unnoticed. By warning your partners, you prevent the STI from spreading further or that they have to deal with serious consequences because they did not receive treatment.
Would you like to make an appointment for an STI test at OneDayClinic? Click on the button below or call 085 070 3483.
