Getting tested for STIs

You might be embarrassed about having and STI, but you should still seek treatment. About a third of people delay or avoid seeking help because they are embarrassed however they need not be. Visiting your closest GUM clinic is painless and staff are trained so they can help you in a calm and friendly manner and your details will not be shared on a central database ensuring your confidentiality will be safeguarded when getting tested for sexually transmitted infections and ottenere medicinali on line con ricetta medica .

If you have symptoms like: vaginal or penile discharge, unpleasant odours, redness, itchiness, lumps or sores these may indicate you have an STI, and should get tested. Some STIs are symptomless, so if you have had unprotected sex, get tested as early as you can. The doctor will ask you a few questions about your sexual health, and general health. To rule out possible pregnancy women may be asked extra questions about contraception. The questions asked are not designed to be intrusive, however the doctor will need to know which tests you require and so there will be questions asked about your sexual history, partners and sexual orientation.

Normal a physical examination is carried out to check for any external signs of infections, women will also undergo an internal examination of the cervix. A cervical and urethral swab may be taken from women and a swab taken from the end of the penis to send to the lab for testing. Urine samples may be taken as well to check for urinary tract infections which may be causing symptoms. Urine is normally inspected visually for cloudiness and presence of groups of cells which can be tell-tell signs of infections, and a reactive stick can give the doctor a good idea of what is causing you problems allowing them to provide treatment straight away, however no concrete diagnosis can be made without a laboratory test. Painless swabs and urine samples will detect most sexually transmitted infections; however some infections like HIV and hepatitis can only be reliably checked for following a blood test and may require lifelong treatment and counseling.

After you get your results back you should be prescribed any necessary medications and your healthcare advisor should give you advice on sexually transmitted infections, coping with symptoms, telling your current partner and contacting any previous partners who may have been affected, and practising safe sex after treatment.

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