Blood test for STDs prevention and treatments: Protect Your Health with Essential Knowledge

What are STDs?

STDs stand for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, also known as "venereal diseases" by many. Examples include AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc. These diseases can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Infection can occur through blood, contact with bodily fluids, from mother to child, or sharing needles. Today, many people are unknowingly infected and have never undergone health checks, especially among impulsive teenagers who engage in unprotected sex and frequently change partners. This group is considered at high risk for STDs and HIV.

Commonly Tested STDs

STDs or oral sex-related infections are not limited to a single disease. Commonly tested STDs include:

• Gonorrhea: Caused by bacteria transmitted through the genitals, anus, and mouth. Some may be asymptomatic, while others, especially men, may experience painful urination. Women may have similar but less severe symptoms. Pregnant women can transmit the bacteria to their baby during childbirth. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.

• Chlamydia: Similar to gonorrhea, it can affect both men and women. It is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and can be transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. Pregnant women can also transmit the virus to their baby during childbirth. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics.

• Genital Herpes: Caused by the HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). Even without symptoms, an infected person can transmit the virus. Symptoms include lesions in the genitals and nearby area. Treatment involves antiviral medication as prescribed by a doctor.

• Syphilis: Caused by bacteria, it can be transmitted through the genitals, anus, and mouth. Symptoms include skin rashes and sores. Syphilis increases the risk of HIV transmission and can be fatal if severely affecting health. It is treatable with antibiotics.

• HIV: This virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex, contact with infected bodily fluids, or sharing needles. It destroys the immune system, leading to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can be fatal if untreated. Current treatment involves continuous antiviral medication to suppress the virus.

  
  

• HPV: A group of over 200 viruses, with about 40 types transmittable through sexual contact. Some types cause cancer or genital warts. Some HPV infections are treatable, while others have no cure and may recur.

• Hepatitis B: A viral infection transmitted through sex, leading to liver disease. Acute cases can be cured, but chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Why is it Necessary to Get an STD Test?

Getting an STD test is a screening process for sexually transmitted diseases that helps reduce the spread of various diseases and viruses. It's beneficial for those at risk and especially suitable for couples planning to marry or conceive. The danger of STDs is that some diseases show no symptoms, leaving individuals unaware of their infection. By the time symptoms appear, the disease might be in a severe stage, making it difficult to treat. Therefore, if you know you're at risk, getting an STD test is the best answer to prevent transmission and maintain your health.

Who Should Get an STD Test?

• Individuals who have unprotected sex, do not use condoms, or engage in risky sexual behavior.

• Those who frequently change sexual partners or have multiple partners within three months.

• In the event that condoms tear, break, or leak during intercourse.

• Victims of sexual assault.

• People whose partners have had sex with others, as viruses can be transmitted.

• Those planning to marry and have children, to prevent transmission to their partners or children.

Types of STD Tests

There are approximately four main types of STD screening methods. However, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and choose the most suitable test for each individual. The testing methods include:

• Blood or Urine Test: This method can detect many diseases and is the most popular testing method.

• Fluid Sample Test: This method collects fluid samples from the genitals, anus, urinary tract, and cervix.

• Pelvic Examination: Suitable for women, this method checks for early signs of cervical cancer.

• Physical Examination: Conducted when symptoms are already visible.

When Should You Get an STD Test?

• Individuals in high-risk groups who show symptoms, such as women with foul-smelling, discolored discharge or men with pus discharge mixed with fluid, should get tested immediately for easy detection and timely treatment.

• Those who have previously contracted an STD should get tested again within three months after treatment.

• Women of legal age should get tested for HPV every five years and undergo cancer cell screening every three years to prevent cervical cancer.

• Pregnant women should get tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B in early pregnancy and should also screen for gonorrhea and chlamydia if at risk due to their partner's STDs or related symptoms.

STD Screening at Menness Clinic, Bangkok

If you wish to get a health check-up or an STD screening, even if you show no abnormal symptoms, you can consult a doctor at Menness Wellness. We offer consultations and STD testing services. We recommend that if you are at risk, do not be shy or afraid. Consult a doctor promptly. Early detection leads to early treatment, resulting in better health outcomes and preventing the spread of disease to others.