STD Testing
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue that affects 12 million Europeans each year. Although STDs affect both sexes, women are more likely to develop long-term health consequences from untreated STDs. In our office we offer STD testing to protect you and your health. To schedule a STD test, make an appointment at our office.
Questions and answers about STD Testing
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections that are passed from person to person through sexual contact. These include vaginal, anal and oral sex.
There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Although both men and women are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, women have greater health complications, including infertility and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. That is why testing for sexually transmitted diseases is important at the first signs of infection or as part of routine annual check-ups.
When do I need to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases?
When do you need testing depends on your age and sexual activity. If you are sexually active and have more than one sexual partner you should schedule a STD test.
Most sexually transmitted diseases do not cause symptoms or you can mistake them for another infection such as for example a fungal infection. Without examination and treatment, you can put your and your partners health in danger.
Also, you should schedule a STD test if your sexual partner is positive for a STD or if you have signs and symptoms of a STD, such as:
- Genital ulcers or lumps
- Vaginal pain, tingling or itching
- Vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Fever
It is recommended that all sexually active women over the age of 25 be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia each year, as well as for other STDs if they have a new or more sexual partner. The HPV test is recommended for women over the age of 30 or if you have an abnormal Pap test.
We test all pregnant women for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, as well as chlamydia and gonorrhea, if they are at risk.
What can I expect during testing for sexually transmitted diseases?
During the examination, we will ask you about your gynecological history, as well as any potential symptoms. Your testing may include the following:
- Urine analysis
- Blood tests
- Vaginal smears
- Smear from the urethral canal
- Cervical smear – HPV test
If your STD disease test results are positive you will get a personal recommendations from us. These recommendations may include additional tests or specific treatments, such as antibiotic therapy to remove the bacterial infection or antiviral drugs to reduce the viral infection and reduce the transmission of the infection to the partner.
Let’s raise awareness about the prevalence of STDs:
In Greece, about 300 new cases of syphilis, 200 new cases of gonorrhea and about 500 new infections with chlamydia are recorded every year.
Three out of 4 Europeans aged 15 to 49 will be infected with HPV during their lifetime.
