STD Screening Treatment

STD Screening & Diagnosis

What Is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a highly contagious infection that is passed from person to person via sexual contact, such as oral, vaginal and anal sex. Some infections like HPV (human papillomavirus) and herpes can also be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. Others are transmitted through infected blood and fluids from blood transfusion, sharing of needles, sometimes even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

STDs can be painful, unsightly and even result in long-term health issues if left untreated, but thankfully most are easily treated if promptly detected through regular STD screening in Singapore.

What Causes STDs?

STDs are caused by a bacterial or viral infection that is transmitted via sexual or intimate contact. The following activities can increase one’s risk of catching an STD:

1. Having unprotected sex
2. Having multiple sexual partners
3. Not wearing a condom or improperly using a condom
4. Frequently engaging in one-night stands or enlisting paid sexual services
5. Sharing needles or syringes
6. Drug or alcohol abuse that impairs judgment, leading to risky sexual behavior
7. Mother-to-infant transmission via pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

As there are many different diseases that can be transmitted via sexual contact, we provide individualized advice on STD testing based on each patient’s unique situation.

Some STDs do not present with any symptoms, especially in making them more dangerous and further increasing their chances of being passed to others. To protect yourself and others, make sure to get tested at your STD screening clinic in Singapore if you suspect yourself of having STD.

What is an STD Test / STD Screening?

STD screening in Singapore is a medical examination that checks for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This usually involves urine tests, blood tests, and physical examinations.

Why Should You Get Tested for STDs?

Getting tested for STDs is crucial for your sexual and overall health. Many STDs can be asymptomatic initially, meaning they do not show any obvious symptoms in the early stages. Without an STD test, you might unknowingly spread the infection to others. Untreated STDs can also increase the risk of developing serious health complications such as infertility, cancer, and an increased risk of HIV.

Regular STD testing allows you to detect infections earlier on, and embark on effective treatment promptly before any complications arise. People who are at higher risk of contracting an STD should get tested and screened in a timely and regular manner. Our STD screening clinic in Singapore provides a comprehensive range of tests in a private and supportive setting.

For accurate results, a detailed history and examination by Dr Tan at our STD clinic will be conducted before the painless screening.

It is important to note that STDs do not resolve by themselves. A good STD screening program takes into account the patient’s specific situation and requirements and uses this situation to tailor the necessary tests for that individual patient.

STD Treatment

We give comprehensive advice on treatments required as well as expedited partner therapy and close follow-ups to ensure eradication of the infection.

Not all STDs manifest with symptoms. Very often, STDs are only detected via screening. If a patient has been diagnosed, there are several considerations:

1. Treatment of current infection

   The actual treatment required depends on the particular STD diagnosed. Most of the time, the treatment will be in the form of tablets and/or injections.

2. Ensuring that the infection has been eradicated

   Commonly known as a “test of cure”, this is performed after a specified time to ensure that the infection has been completely cleared from the body.

3. Preventing or minimizing recurrences

   Some STDs such as Herpes, HPV warts, Syphilis and Hepatitis B are known to be recurring. As such, it is important that strategies be taken to prevent the rate of recurrence.

4. Partner testing and therapy

   Testing and treating sexual partners is a key component of managing an STD infection. This breaks the chain of infection and re-infection due to exposure to the same partner.

5. Preventing or minimizing the risk of re-infection

   Strategies to minimize the risk of re-infection include the correct and consistent use of condoms, vaccination and tablets taken before or after high risk exposures that can minimize the risk of certain STDs and also HIV.