STD Testing Techniques You Should Know About

In the field of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), doctors employ a variety of tests to ensure that every STD can be tested for. As STDs differ greatly in symptoms, the best way to ensure a patient is accurately diagnosed is to employ the proper STD test in Singapore specific to the patient’s sexual history. What happens when a patient steps into an STD clinic for the first time? This article will go through the various steps and testing techniques used in STD clinics today.

A consultation with the doctor

During the initial doctor’s consultation, patients will get a chance to describe their existing symptoms and speak about their past sexual history. This is incredibly important for the doctor’s diagnosis as STDs have different methods of transmission. The doctor would be able to recommend the best series of tests for the patient if they knew of the patient’s sexual history – whether a patient has had oral, anal or vaginal sex, with how many partners and how often. The answers to these questions will determine how at risk the patient is of specific diseases. Knowing that, the doctor would then recommend the patient get tested for those diseases where they are of some risk of contracting.

A physical examination of the genitalia

If the patient has complaints about pain in the genitalia, the doctor would recommend a visual examination first. This way, the doctor would be able to see and assess if there is anything unusual about the genitalia, such as bumps, sores or warts. If those are present, doctors can narrow down the disease the patient may have, such as herpes or genital warts. The doctor may also swab the affected areas to test for specific diseases like chlamydia. If the patient reports no symptoms, then the doctor would proceed to perform other testing techniques.

A blood test

Blood tests are required to determine the presence of an STD like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Doctors will draw blood into a small tube and then send it to the laboratory for testing. Blood tests can also be used to check for hepatitis A and B, herpes and syphilis. If the doctor needs to run more tests, they may end up drawing more blood to send for testing. The drawing of blood may cause slight discomfort but should not feel painful. Blood samples sent for testing will usually take at least a few days before the results are confirmed.

Urine test

You may be required to pee for a urine sample for the testing of bacterial diseases gonorrhoea and chlamydia. These two STDs generally affect your urethra and thus can be tested for using urine samples. Please do drink up before seeing the doctor at an STD clinic to ensure that you are able to pee if needed!

Conclusion

Once you have completed the STD tests, you will likely have to wait a few days for the results to come in. Clinics may require you to come back to collect your results or they may drop you an SMS or send you a mail. Should you test positive for any STD, you should return to the clinic to discuss with your doctor about treatment options.

To book an appointment for an STD test, call Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.