Sexually transmitted infections (STI) occur with sexually transmitted bacteria or virus first entering the body and begin to multiply.
Not all diseases begin with infections but many do. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) first begin as STIs which progress into a disease with symptoms. Disease occurs when these pathogens disrupt the body’s normal functions and processes.
It’s important to get an STI screening if you suspect you’ve been exposed or having symptoms or have had sex without protection or have a new sexual partner. We offer all the tests you need in a comfortable and judgment-free environment, so you can feel confident you are being safe.
Your sexual health is important to us, so our STI package includes consultation, examination and testing. If treatment is required, we will discuss the best course of treatment with full confidentiality.
Why Do I Need to Get STI Testing?
STIs can be easily passed between sexual partners even if no symptoms are present. Often people do not know they have an infection until it’s too late which is why regular STI testing is important.
What STIs Testing Available?
All tests are analysed at the highest standard of accuracy by leading pathology laboratories. We do tests for:
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B/C
- Herpes Simplex Virus
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Human Papillomavirus
- Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
The gold standard HIV combination test will be used as per national guideline — it tests for HIV types one and two, antibodies as well as p24 antigen. Results are highly sensitive and specific when the test is performed more than 28 days after the last potential exposure. We also offer private and confidential Anonymous HIV screening. No personal details and data recorded in the system to protect the identity of the person who gets tested for HIV. A rapid test is done and the results known within few minutes. There will be no notification to official bodies if your test turns out positive since no personal details were recorded.
What are the treatments available?
First and foremost, proper examination and testing provided to rule out and find out the cause of STI/STD. Once the diagnosis established, treatments are commenced as soon as possible to prevent further health complications.
Treatments for STI/STD comprise:
1. Oral medications
- Antibiotics commonly given to treat bacterial related STI such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and to some extent intramuscular injection given in severe form of STI/STDs.
- Antivirals given when viral infections are detected such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster, and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV).
These medications are given to treat or suppress or prevent the infections from multiplying further. Such preventative medications are very useful especially for person who might have or had sexual intercourse with HIV partner or unknown status of HIV.
Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) means giving antiretroviral medicine (ART) before being potentially exposed to HIV thus prevent from being infected.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) means giving antiretroviral medicine (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV thus prevent from being infected.
2. Topical medications
- Depending on the type and condition of the disease usually prescription of antibacterial/antifungal/antiviral topical cream/ointment is given for definite period. For example acyclovir cream given for person infected with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
3. Vaccination
- Several Vaccines are available to prevent virus from infecting a person. Most recent one is Gardasil 9 has been approved for use in males and females with the ages from 9-45 to protect against the genital warts and cervical cancer caused by HPV. TWINRIX is a vaccine used in adults, adolescents, children and infants to prevent hepatitis A and B diseases.
