If you are experiencing pain when peeing or having sex, you may be concerned about your sexual health. It is possible that you have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs can affect anyone who has ever had sex and the risks for contracting STDs are higher for those who do not use condoms or have sex with multiple partners. To ascertain whether your pain is caused by an STD, you should consult a doctor at an STD clinic in Singapore. These doctors are experienced in seeing patients with STDs and are able to diagnose and treat STDs and their associated symptoms. There are a few methods that these doctors may employ when diagnosing the illness. This article will explain some of those methods and why they are important in ensuring an accurate diagnosis for the pain you experience.

Visual examination

There are some STDs that show visible symptoms on the body. Often, these come in the form of bumps or warts on the skin. There are a few potential explanations for this – sometimes, these bumps are genital warts caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). If the bumps are red, it could be caused by genital herpes. It is also possible that these bumps are caused by acne or by razor burns from shaving. When visually examining symptoms, STD doctors will be able to tell what exactly causes these symptoms and further recommend the necessary treatment. This, however, does mean that they may need to view the affected areas. Do speak to the doctor if you feel uncomfortable if they have to examine your genitalia. If possible, the doctor may recommend other forms of diagnosis for you.

Urine tests

For common bacterial infections, a urine test is usually sufficient to determine the results. Urine tests can be used to diagnose infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea with high accuracy. In the past, such infections could only be determined through swabs of the cervix or urethra. That can cause some discomfort among patients. With a urine test, the same results can be achieved by testing for a bacteria’s DNA in the urine sample, instead of needing a live bacteria culture. Urine tests are completely safe and will not cause additional pain. For this reason, it is recommended that patients do not pass urine for a few hours before visiting an STD clinic in Singapore. Typically, a urine test requires about five to seven days before results can be concluded. Your doctor will schedule you for a follow-up appointment a week after the test to review the results. In the meantime, they might start you on antibiotics and painkillers to help relieve the pain you are feeling.

Blood tests

Blood tests are necessary to test for viral infections in a patient. It is especially important in HIV testing clinics in Singapore as HIV can only be detected through blood samples. Other STDs that require a blood test include hepatitis and syphilis. Blood tests work by detecting the body’s response to an infection or detecting the presence of the virus itself. They are sometimes required as they are the most accurate at detecting these STDs. However, if you have a fear of needles, doctors may use other methods of testing, such as oral swabs, if possible. Do note that such tests may be less accurate than a blood test. After blood is drawn, it usually takes about a week for the laboratory to test the blood sample and obtain the results, following which the doctor will break the news to you and recommend treatment for your condition, if any are available.

Conclusion

These tests will be useful in determining the type of STD you may have. In addition, the doctor will also likely enquire about your sexual history, to determine which STD you are most likely to have contracted. To visit an STD clinic in Singapore with confidential testing, do book an appointment with Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.