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Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV remain taboo subjects. Perhaps this is why the number of infected people is growing every year. It is worth knowing what tests to perform if you suspect that you have been infected. Thanks to this, we will be able to receive treatment quickly.
Gonorrhea – what tests should be performed?
Gonorrhea is one of the most frequently detected sexually transmitted diseases. It is a bacterial disease caused by the Gram-negative Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Usually, infection occurs through sexual contact – vaginal, anal or oral. In some cases, you can also get gonorrhea by using the same towels or personal care products as the infected person.
When gonorrhea is suspected, it is routinely performed GC test, i.e. a screening test for the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, or a PCR test. The screening test is performed in a laboratory, and its price ranges from 45 to 80 PLN. On the Internet, you can also order PCR tests for gonorrhea, which are performed at home and then sent to the laboratory. After a few days, the test result is sent back. Such a test can be performed anonymously, but the manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed.
Syphilis – What Test To Do?
Syphilis, like gonorrhea, is a disease caused by bacteria. You can catch it during unprotected intercourse (including anal and oral sex), and even through a kiss.
In the diagnosis of syphilis, a screening test is used – the VDRL test. It is the standard syphilis test that is reimbursed for pregnant women. In the case of pregnant women, it is performed twice – at the beginning and in the 37th week of pregnancy.
Syphilis should be checked on an empty stomach. It takes a few minutes.
The test involves taking venous blood from the elbow bend. The price of the test fluctuates between PLN 10-30 (if we do not meet the reimbursement conditions). If the result is positive, the diagnosis should be extended to include a test specific for syphilis, e.g. FTA-ABSbecause the test is sometimes false positive. The FTA-ABS test is very sensitive – it shows a reactivity of 85%. in the case of primary syphilis, almost 100 percent. in the case of secondary syphilis and 85 percent. latent or late latent syphilis.
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Chlamydiosis – what test to do?
Chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease is sexually transmitted and the most common infection occurs in adolescents and young adults. Several diagnostic methods are used to detect the disease.
The first is a blood test, which measures the level of immunoglobulins IgM and IgG. It is a test reimbursed by the National Health Fund. A less effective test (80% effectiveness) is the cell culture test. However, it may give a false negative result, e.g. due to cell death during transport. This test is also reimbursed by the National Health Fund.
It has high efficiency PCR test. It is a molecular test, very sensitive and allows to detect 99% of cases of disease. The material for the study is obtained from the cervix or the urethra of women. In men, a swab is taken from the urethra. The first 15 ml of morning urine can also be used for the test. The test is payable and, depending on the laboratory, costs from 160 to 300 PLN.
HIV – what test should be performed?
HIV is also a sexually transmitted disease. You can catch it through sexual contact without using a condom. Infection can also occur from contact with the blood of an infected person, if it gets on broken skin, on mucous membranes or is injected, for example, when sharing needles and syringes. The mother can infect the child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
HIV testing can be done free of charge, without a referral and anonymously at one of the consultation and diagnostic points (addresses). The test involves taking a small amount of blood. The virus antigen and antibodies against the virus are then searched for. Depending on the facility, it takes a day or more for results. We can perform the first test two weeks after the infection, but we can be absolutely sure that we will get a negative result, i.e. no infection, only after 12 weeks, in the so-called serological window. This should be borne in mind when performing the test.
HIV testing is also recommended for women who are planning or are pregnant. The Ministry of Health recommends that the test be performed in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Genital warts (HPV) – what tests should be performed?
Genital warts is a disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). To date, scientists have identified over 100 types of HPV. Approx. 30 of them are passed on through sexual contact. The HPV virus, in addition to causing condylomas, may also contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
If acuminata are suspected, a test is performed to determine which type of HPV is present. For this purpose, e.g. HPV 37 test with genotyping. The cost of such a test is about PLN 350.
Hepatitis B – what tests should be done?
In the case of this disease, the infection is most often transmitted through the blood, but it is not uncommon to become infected during sexual intercourse, as well as from direct contact with vaginal discharge or semen.
In the diagnosis of hepatitis B, a blood test is performed, in which the antigens and antibodies of hepatitis B are determined. HBsAg, HBeAg, and among antibodies we include anty HBs, anty HBc i anty HBe.
You can also use PCR method. It is a test that detects the genetic material of the virus. The test is performed in addition to previous tests.
Candidiasis – what test should be performed?
Genital candidiasis is a disease caused by yeast. Another name for it is genital mycosis. You can catch candidiasis during sexual intercourse, but not only. Infection can occur in a public toilet or swimming pool. If you suspect you have candidiasis, be sure to get tested. Also tell your partner about the diagnosis, he should also undergo treatment so that no further infections occur.
One of the tests used in the diagnosis of genital mycosis is microscopic examination. For its purpose, a smear of vaginal discharge from the vulva or penis is taken and a smear is made. Then the slide is stained and characteristic yeast cells are searched for.
Diagnostics takes at least 7 days. PCR tests that detect yeast genetic material are also available. The material for the test is taken from infected areas, and the test is 99 percent. effectiveness. The test can be ordered online and done at home, or you can ask your doctor for help. The results are available after a few days. The cost is about PLN 160.
At Medonet Market you will find a test package that will allow you to immediately check if you do not suffer from several different venereal diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases package – diagnostic tests you can buy at an attractive price.
Read also:
- Non-obvious sexually transmitted infections
- Embarrassing diseases are not only transmitted sexually. Here are other routes of infection
- Intimate infections – similar symptoms, different causes