Sexual Health Check Up Packages
'Sexually transmitted diseases' (STDs), as the name implies, are infections caused by microorganisms acquired during sexual activity. Many STDs may not show symptoms and may not cause complaints for a long time. However, they can lead to very serious complications and continue to be transmitted during sexual activity. The causative agents are bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The most commonly encountered sexually transmitted diseases are as follows:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Genital herpes (cold sores) (herpes simplex virus) (HSV)
- Genital warts (human papillomavirus) (HPV)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Most of these infections can be transmitted not only through vaginal, anal, or oral sex but also through other types of sexual activity. For example, herpes and HPV can be transmitted through skin contact alone. Additionally, HIV and HBV can be transmitted through other routes such as contact with blood or body fluids.
What is sexual transmitted disease screening?
Sexually transmitted diseases often do not cause any symptoms. You may not be aware that you are infected and can still transmit it to your partner. That's why sexual transmitted disease screening becomes very important. A series of tests performed to determine whether there is a sexually transmitted disease through sexual contact, even in individuals without symptoms, forms the basis of this screening. With the Sexual Health Package screening that you can perform in our laboratory, you can feel safe for yourself and your partner.
Individuals at risk of sexually transmitted diseases should undergo screening even if they feel well or have no complaints. For instance, if you have unprotected intercourse with a new partner, you are at risk of chlamydia infection. Your doctor can perform a chlamydia screening to catch the infection early, treat it before serious problems develop, and prevent the risk of spreading it to others.
Different screening tests are available for each sexually transmitted microorganism. Most causative agents can be detected through blood or urine tests. When deciding to undergo screening for sexually transmitted diseases, your doctor will determine which tests are necessary.
Who should undergo sexually transmitted disease screening?
Which tests are appropriate for whom depends on the person's gender and sexual activity habits.
- All adults and adolescents aged 13-64 should undergo HIV screening at least once in their lifetime.
- <25 years old sexually active young girls and women should undergo gonorrhea and chlamydia screening every year.
- > 25 years old with multiple partners, new partners, unprotected intercourse, or partners diagnosed with STDs should undergo gonorrhea and chlamydia screening every year.
- Pregnant individuals should be screened for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B during their first examination. Additionally, pregnant individuals under 25 or with multiple partners should also be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Screenings should be conducted at appropriate weeks based on test results.
- HIV-infected women should undergo screening for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. HIV carrier women should also be screened for trichomoniasis at least once a year.
The above recommendations are general guidelines. Depending on other factors and sexual activity habits, some individuals may need other screening tests. You can clarify this by consulting your doctor. You can review the Sexual Health Package screening available in our laboratory.