STDs and STIs

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    These Changes Mean You Might Have An STI – Here’s What They Mean (And What To Do)

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    Part of being a woman assigned at birth can mean there’s always something worrying you. Feeling super emotional? Your period might be on the way! If your period is a little late, you’re probably already obsessing over whether you’re pregnant (even though the last time you had sex was years ago)! And if you experience any vaginal changes? You guessed it – you’re worried you might have contracted an STI. While these are all valid concerns, we’re here to break down the most common STI symptoms and what they mean. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect yourself from infection and treatments are available. But arming yourself with knowledge about STIs can go a long way in keeping you safe.

    Why is knowing STI symptoms important?

    The more you know about STI symptoms, the more you can protect yourself. And, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), “in 2017, there were an estimated 2.3 million new cases of gonorrhoea, 1.9 million new chlamydia cases and 23 175 new syphilis cases among women aged between 15 and 49.” The website continues to note that “these high numbers of STI cases in South Africa have partly been due to inadequate prevention and treatment gaps.” Indeed.

    Um, what’s the difference between an STD and an STI?

    Excellent question! An STI (sexually transmitted infection) “refers to an infection that is transmitted through sexual activity,” explains Dr Mpume Zenda, an obstetrician, gynaecologist and sexologist. “A sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to a specific condition or illness that has developed as a result of a sexually transmitted infection.” Noted!

    STIs include curable infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas. An STI could also be an incurable but treatable condition, like herpes simplex virus, HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV), Dr Zenda explains.

    READ MORE: What’s The Difference Between STDs And STIs?

    How treatable are STIs?

    Per Dr Zenda, it depends on the infection. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas can be cured with antibiotics. Incurable STIs like herpes, HIV and HPV can be treated with medication and “effective treatment with antiretroviral medication suppresses viral replication,” Dr Zenda notes.

    Can you have an STI but no symptoms?

    Yes, you can. “Some STIs cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms,” says Dr Zenda. But, importantly, even if you exhibit no symptoms, you can still pass the infection on to someone else. For this reason, “if you start a new sexual relationship, get tested for STIs,” advises Dr Jireh Serfontein, clinical head of My Sexual Health Pretoria. Also, “the risk of contracting HIV is much higher if you have an STI, so get tested and treated,” she says.

    How long does it take for an STI to ‘appear’?

    “Every STI has its own incubation period,” explains Dr Zenda. “For some, the body begins to produce antibodies and symptoms in as little as a few days.” Below are the typical timelines for when STI symptoms appear. But know that for some people, it can take weeks or months for an infection to manifest.

    Gonorrhoea: 1 – 7 days

    Chlamydia: 7 – 21 days

    Genital and oral herpes: 2 – 12 days

    HIV: 2 – 4 weeks

    HPV: 1 month – 10 years

    Syphilis: 3 weeks – 20 years  

    Because STI symptoms can take long to show up, it’s important to get tested. It’s also why STI tests use antibodies to detect infection and not symptoms, explains Dr Zenda.

    READ MORE: 8 Things You’ve Heard About STDs That Are Totally Untrue

    What happens if an STI never gets treated?

    Because STIs affect the reproductive tract, explains Dr Zenda, the risk of untreated STIs is that they can affect your reproductive organ. “Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), caused by infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries can lead to infertility,” she says. Added to that, here are other complications from untreated STIs.

    Untreated STIs can affect your pregnancy

    “Pregnant people with untreated chlamydia, for example, are at a greater risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth,” explains Dr Zenda.

    Untreated STIs can infect a baby

    Per the National Institutes of Health, a sexually transmitted infection can cross into the placenta and infect the baby in the womb. “High HIV viral loads increase the risk of transmitting the virus to the child during delivery or breastfeeding,” explains Dr Zenda. “Gonorrhoea can be passed from parent to child during vaginal delivery, causing a potentially severe eye infection. Syphilis and herpes can be potentially fatal in a newborn.”

    READ MORE: How Long Does A UTI Last And Can It Go Away On Its Own?

    STI symptoms and what they mean

    Burning sensation when peeing

    While your first instinct could be to think that a burning sensation points to an STI symptom, Dr Zenda says it’s more likely to be a UTI (or urinary tract infection). But yes, in some cases, an STI could cause the burning sensation because of cross-infection, she says. “The pain comes from inflammation in your urinary tract. Bacteria can cling to the lining (mucus membranes) of the urethra, which is the tube urine comes out of, causing inflammation.”

    Per Dr Serfontein, “STIs that cause burning can include herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasma or mycoplasma.”

    Unusual discharge

    While discharge can change in quality throughout your menstrual cycle, there are times when your discharge signals an STI. “Changes in the colour, texture, smell or amount of your usual vaginal discharge may mean there is a problem,” says Dr Zenda. “Vaginal discharge that is chunky, foamy or accompanied by itching and changes in colour may mean you have an infection.”

    But! Not all unusual discharge means you have an STI. In some cases, a change in your PH levels, like with a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, could result in unusual discharge. In any case, those require treatment, so see your doc.

    READ MORE: At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

    Abnormal bleeding

    Two periods in one month? What fresh hell? Take heart: abnormal bleeding could be caused by things other than an STI. It could be a side-effect of starting a new contraception method, but still, it’s very important to see your doctor to rule out any other serious causes, “especially when the bleeding is heavy, post-intercourse, or associated with pain and offensive odour,” says Dr Zenda. Other causes of abnormal bleeding include:

    Cervicitis (inflammation)

    Vaginal tears (especially from poor lubrication)

    Polyps or fibroids

    Pregnancy-related (from ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage )

    Infections including, STIs

    Cancer (cervical, vaginal or endometrial)

    If you’re experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, see your doc, stat.

    Itchy vaginal sensation

    Unless you’ve just shaved down there, the itching sensation is not normal, says Dr Serfontein. “It can mean that there is irritation of the skin and mucous membranes in the genital region,” she explains.

    However, it might not be an STI symptom, either. “A yeast infection (thrush) caused by candida typically presents with an itching or burning sensation,” explains Dr Serfontein. Another thing that could cause that itchy sensation? Dermatological conditions like lichen sclerosis. “Some women might experience itching or burning due to side effects of a contraceptive pill as well,” adds Dr Serfontein.

    But if your itching is a sign of an STI, there will be accompanying symptoms, says Dr Serfontein. These could include abnormal vaginal discharge. “But it is important to note that you can have those infections without any symptoms at all, that is why it is so important to get regular STI testing,” says Dr Serfontein.

    Painful sex

    Again, there are other reasons sex could become painful other than an STI. “It is important to determine when the pain started, what type of pain you have and where exactly you experience the pain,” says Dr Serfontein.

    For one, painful sex could be a result of vaginismus. “This is caused by the muscles around the vagina that are in spasm and will result in penetration being painful,” explains Dr Serfontein. In this instance, even using a tampon could be too painful.

    If your pain is deep and located in the lower abdominal area, it could be caused by a cyst or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). “This usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes or ovaries,” says Dr Serfontein.

    “It is not that easy to distinguish between sex-related pain and pain caused by an STI,” Dr Serfontein notes. But there are STIs that can cause pain during sex, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which causes vaginal irritation that can lead to pain. “Genital herpes can cause blister or sores in the genitals which can also lead to painful sex,” says Dr Serfontein.

    In any case, pain during sex is not normal, she says, so go and see your doc if this happens to you.

    READ MORE: Why Am I Bleeding During Sex? Gynaecologists Explain Common Reasons And Treatments

    Bumps on the vagina

    Bumps could be caused by infection or benign conditions like ingrown hairs, says Dr Serfontein. Infections that could result in bumps include:

    Genital warts: “These lesions will be wart-like in appearance and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV),” says Dr Serfontein.

    Molluscum: “These lesions are flesh-coloured, round and painless bumps. This is caused by a viral infection called molluscum contagiosum.”

    Genital herpes: “These lesions are blisters and are caused by the herpes virus. It would typically be accompanied by pain in the genital area.”

    Pelvic pain

    “Pain means that there is a problem, it is important to see a doctor,” says Dr Serfontein. “Pelvic pain could be because of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes or ovaries.”  You might also experience abnormal discharge, says Dr Serfontein.

    But aside from being an STI symptom, pelvic pain can also be caused by these:

    Bladder infection (UTI) – “A UTI might also cause burning urine or frequent urination,” says Dr Serfontein.

    Cyst on the ovaries

    Problems with the gastrointestinal system

    Referred pain from other regions

    If you’re experiencing any of these unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to get things checked out by a doctor. More

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      8 Things You’ve Heard About STDs That Are Totally Untrue

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      Unhappy news: STIs are on the rise in South Africa. This year, the Gauteng Department of Health issued a plea for South Africans not to engage in risky sexual behaviour after the region saw a spike in Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS), something commonly caused by gonorrhoea and chlamydia. One thing that could be driving rising STI levels? STD myths, along with many people having unprotected sex.

      To avoid spreading misinformation – and STIs – we’re debunking some common STD myths with the truth.

      STD Myth: Once you’ve got an STI, you can’t get the same one again

      Reality: STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are bacterial infections and “once you’re cured of those, you can absolutely be re-infected,” says Fred Wyand, director of communications for the American Sexual Health Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sexual health. It’s especially common with gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Researchers from the Netherlands found 20.4 percent of women with chlamydia were re-infected when tested again five to eight months later.

      Myth: You can’t get STIs from oral sex

      Reality: “In general, most of the STIs we talk about don’t do their thing quite as well in the mouth as well as they do in the genital or anal area,” says Wyand. Even though oral sex is safer sex, it’s not risk-free, and vag contact is not a requirement to become infected. Gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia, to a lesser extent, can all be passed orally.

      Myth: You can’t have two STIs at once

      Reality: Having two STIs at once – called co-infection – is extremely possible. “Actually, having one STI may increase the susceptibility to another,” says Wyand. Take herpes, for example. An outbreak can act as a breeding ground for HIV if your partner has it. Being infected with other STDs also increases your risk of developing HIV. Plus, a 2020 study also found that 83.3% of HIV-positive women in KwaZulu-Natal have other STIs too.

      READ MORE: Can You Really Get An STD From Kissing?

      Myth: If you don’t have any symptoms, you’re STD-free

      Reality: “It is very common for any STD to not have apparent symptoms,” says Wyand. Chlamydia, in particular, is known as a silent infection since it’s light on warning signs. “Women can go much longer with chlamydia without seeing or feeling anything atypical,” says Wyand. In fact, a study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that 63 percent of cervical chlamydia cases and 54 percent of gonorrhoea cases were symptom-free.

      Myth: You can only catch herpes during an outbreak

      Reality: From sores around the genital area to cold sores around the mouth, it’s easy to see why so many people think they can spot a herpes infection from a mile away. It’s not so simple, though. Even if there are no sores in sight, the infection could be lurking beneath the surface. “The virus can and does become active even if you don’t see anything,” says Wyand. Still, that doesn’t mean herpes will automatically be transferred to a partner. Many couples are able to keep their sex lives active without the unaffected partner ever acquiring it, so long as they’re open to using condoms and having honest discussions, says Wyand.

      Myth: A pap smear tests for STDs

      Reality: Many women assume (incorrectly) that a yearly visit to the OB-GYN is all it takes to make sure everything down there is A-OK. A pap smear tests the cells in your cervix for cancer and HPV but doesn’t take STIs into account. To cover yourself, ask your gyno to tack on an STI test at your next visit. That might call for a blood or urine sample, or another swab test.

      READ MORE: What’s The Difference Between STDs and STIs?

      Myth: The pill protects you from STDs

      Reality: The Pill’s main job is to keep you baby-free, not STI-free. Condoms are the only birth control method that acts as protection against STDs.

      Myth: Only women with many partners have STIs

      Reality: No slut-shaming here. While it’s true that the more partners you have, the more you’ll be exposed to infections, STIs rear their ugly heads even in monogamous relationships. Each party brings their own sexual history to the bedroom – and sometimes that history involves an STI. “Even in a monogamous relationship, if either one of the partners has had previous partners, there could be an STD from many years ago that they’re not even aware of that can still be transmitted,” says Wyand. Truth is, most sexually active people will have an STD at some point, so it shouldn’t be shameful. “More and more we’re saying, ‘Do you know what it means to have an STD?’” says Wyand. “It means you’re pretty normal.”

      READ MORE: It’s Time To Stop Believing These Sexual Health Myths More

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      What’s The Difference Between STDs And STIs?

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      You probably learned to group conditions such as herpes, chlamydia and genital warts under the term STD, meaning sexually transmitted disease. But in the past five years or so, these three consonants have increasingly been replaced by STI (sexually transmitted infection), leading many to ask: what’s the actual difference between STDs and STIs?

      Is the term STD… out of fashion?

      More and more OB-GYNs seem to use the latter term when they discuss conditions like herpes and chlamydia with their patients. And if you’ve Googled the topic lately (no judgment!), you probably see STI more than you used to. The short answer? Yeah, in a move to de-stigmatise sexually transmitted complications, the term STD is being used less and less. But the semantics are rooted in a subtle scientific distinction.

      So… what’s the difference between STDs and STIs?

      An STD, or sexually transmitted disease, is so named when a sexually transmitted infection (STI) leads to symptoms. A symptom, or manifestation of an infection in the body, could be something like sores, itchiness or burning. But, importantly, not all STIs present symptoms. Things like HPV, for example, can present no symptoms and can go away on their own. Other STIs like syphilis can also exhibit no symptoms. And, not all STIs progress into STDs. But all STDs start out as STIs. Make sense?

      Why the change?

      More experts are starting to prefer STI because they think it carries less of a stigma.
”The word ‘disease’ implies that a person has a set of distinctive, identifiable symptoms and most of the time, sexually transmitted infections do not present any symptoms,” says Carolyn Deal, chief of the sexually transmitted diseases branch of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (Despite the branch name, Dean says her colleagues have made the switch to the term STI.)

      Plus, when signs of an STI do appear, they’re often mild or cause no real problem. That makes the term disease feel off, especially considering that millions of people have or have had one, says Fred Wyand, director of communications at the American Sexual Health Association.

      Switching the terminology also has to do with removing the association with shame and unseemliness that the letters STD still have. The word ‘disease’ has a stigma, while ‘infection’ reflects something more benign and less scary, says Deal.

      The bottom line: It’s a good idea to use the term STI in an effort to make everyone feel less intimidated – and to help mitigate the stigma. But if you stick to the old-school STD, it’s not like your friends, partner, and OB-GYN won’t know what you’re talking about. More

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      Um, Can You Really Get An STD From Kissing?

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      We’re willing to bet you’ve asked yourself a ton of questions about kissing… when you were 13. Now, though, aside from hoping their beard’s not too scratchy or they don’t have a cold, you’re not too worried about smooches. Right? Well… per experts, it turns out you could get an STD from kissing. Read it and weep – then protect yourself with knowledge and these tips.

      Can you get an STD from kissing?

      Alas, you actually can. A peck on the mouth (or a full-blown, let-me-shove-my-tongue-down-your-throat make-out session) can actually transmit a couple of different types of STDs [insert cringing emoji here]: herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 and syphilis, says Dr Teena Chopra, corporate medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University.

      Talk about a mood killer. Luckily, you don’t have to swear off kissing forever—buuut, it’s a good idea to just be aware of what can be spread through spit-swapping. Here’s what you need to know about the two STDs you can get through kissing.

      What to know about getting herpes from kissing:

      Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 and 2) infections are one of the most common STDs and, once contracted, they last a lifetime, according to the American National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

      “Once a person has been infected, the virus can remain dormant (latent) for years before periodically reactivating to cause recurrent disease,” the website notes. Which is why it’s also important to note: people who don’t know they have herpes can still spread herpes, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

      Whereas HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes, HSV-2 is what causes genital herpes. However, oral herpes can be spread from the mouth to the genitals as a result of oral sex (when herpes is active), which is how some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-1, according to the CDC. And, yes, the reverse is also true: Genital herpes can be passed from one person’s genitals to another person’s mouth, causing oral herpes. Talk about a vicious cycle.

      READ MORE: This Is EXACTLY What Men Think… During Sex

      How to navigate herpes with your partner

      If you’re concerned about herpes (and you know your partner has it), ask them to be diligent about symptoms that signal an outbreak is coming (you’re more likely to contract the virus during a herpes flare). Burning, itching, and/or tingling feelings are all signs that sores are about to appear. Also, medications are available that can decrease how long symptoms last, as well as decrease their severity. But, sadly, there’s no cure (yet!).

      You might also want to encourage your partner to be upfront by assuring them that herpes is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, it’s ridiculously common. Per the World Health Organisation (WHO), “An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.” In South Africa, that number is even higher: studies have found that 40 to 70% of sexually active people have an HSV-2 infection.

      Another prevention method: If your partner has herpes, then they can chat with their doctor about taking medication that can lower their chances of spreading the virus.

      READ MORE: Your June 2024 Sex Horoscope Is Here And It’s Time To Add A Date Night To Your Calendar

      So, what about getting syphilis from kissing?

      Syphilis occurs in four stages, according to the CDC, with different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.

      Primary syphilis will be evident because a person will generally have sores. These will typically be around the genitals and/or mouth, called chancres, per the CDC. These sores are round and painless, per the WHO and heal in a few days.

      Secondary syphilis includes a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Symptoms will go away without treatment, per the WHO.

      Sneakily, there are no signs or symptoms during the third or latent stage of the STD. Unfortunately, this can be deadly and can progress to the fourth and final stage if left untreated.

      The fourth stage of syphilis, however, known as tertiary syphilis, can be linked to severe medical problems. Left untreated, syphilis can affect the heart, brain, and other organs of the body, according to the CDC.

      The infection can be passed by direct contact with a sore during the first three stages. It can be passed on via vaginal, anal, or oral sex—and, yes, even through kissing. Importantly, syphilis is treatable and curable.

      READ MORE: At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

      How to navigate syphilis with your partner

      Chopra says the only way to avoid syphilis is to avoid sex or kissing completely. But uh, since that’s not totally practical, there are ways to reduce your risk.

      Straight-up asking new partners whether or not they have an STD, as awkward as this is, is a good idea. It’s also ok to ask new partners to get tested. And if you see a sore, it’s totally ok – and advisable – to avoid kissing, says Dr Amesh A. Adalja, an infectious diseases physician.

      And while you’re at it, make sure to get yourself tested too. Doctors won’t typically test you for herpes unless you’re showing symptoms like sores, but you can still get tested for syphilis whether you’re showing signs or not.

      The bottom line: Ask questions before getting hot and heavy. If you know your partner has herpes or syphilis, cool it on the kissing until active oral sores are treated or healed.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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      At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

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      Ah, technology. We’ve come a super long way from sitting in stirrups for test results to now, where we can simply buy an at-home test kit to know our status. From finding your fertile window to knowing your STD status, these at-home test kits are well worth the purchase, especially when you’re feeling uncertain and don’t want to sit in a queue at the clinic.

      Zoie HPV Self-Test Kit

      HPV remains one of the biggest risks to women’s overall health since it’s a major precursor of cervical cancer. South Africa has really high rates of cervical cancer. Since testing can be tedious, get results at home without visiting the clinic.

      VIVOO V3 Advanced Urine Test

      Think of this as your all-in-one health test kit. It’ll measure your levels of Magnesium, water, vitamin C, calcium, pH levels (alkaline diet, anyone?), ketone, protein, oxidative stress and sodium. There’s also an app tie-in so you can make sense of the numbers and what it means for your body, right now.

      Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips

      This test identifies your fertile window with a whopping six days of opportunity with 99% accuracy. A complementary app lets you compare all your test results, with interactive graphs that lets you track your menstrual cycle.

      Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

      This test identifies your two most fertile days – and it works. The digital test gives you a cute smiley face when it’s ovulating. Plus, it gets to work in just five seconds.

      DNX Medical UTI-AID Test Strips

      With accurate results in just 60 seconds, this is the same kind of kit used by doctors. Use the colour chart provided to see how your urine holds up.

      Exacto Vaginal Infection Rapid Self Test

      Gets to work in seconds. Simply insert the test into the vagina, press it onto the vaginal walls for ten seconds, then remove. Compare your result to a colour chart and get your results. Easy peasy.

      ESO Test Syphilis Rapid Screen Test

      This is an antibody test, which tests for the presence of antibodies in the human body that are produced in response to the TP bacterium. Results are delivered in 15 minutes.

      INSTI – HIV Self-Test

      Keen to know your HIV status but scared to visit the clinic? Get yourself tested at home with this quick kit. The INSTI kit provides accurate results in 1 minute, and is used by healthcare professionals, too.

      ESO Test Herpes Rapid Screen Test

      You’ll need one to two drops of blood for this test, but that’s negligible. Results are delivered within 15 minutes – no lab testing required.

      ESO Test Gonorrhoea Rapid Screen Test

      This is an antigen test, which tests directly for the presence of the gonorrhoea bacteria in the body, with high clinical accuracy. Expect results in less than 15 minutes. More

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      The STI Tests You Need, According To Your Exact Risk Profile

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      Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, but the types of STI testing you need may vary by your risk factors. Find out what’s recommended for you…
      If you’re sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, you’ve probably heard the following advice many times: Use protection and make sure you get tested. This is important because people can have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) without knowing it. In many cases, no signs or symptoms occur.
      READ MORE: Here’s How To Have A Discussion With Your Doctor About Sex
      But what types of STI testing do you need? And how often should you be screened? The answers depend on your age, your sexual behaviours and other risk factors.
      If you’re a woman, don’t assume that you’re receiving STI testing every time you have a gynaecologic exam or Pap Smear. Regardless of your gender and age, if you think you need STI testing, request it from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and mention specifically what infections you think you might have. Here are some guidelines for STI testing for specific sexually transmitted diseases.
      Chlamydia and gonorrhea
      Get screened annually if:You’re a sexually active girl or woman under age 25You’re a woman older than 25 and at risk of STIs — for example, if you’re having sex with a new partner or multiple partners
      Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is done either through a urine test or through a swab inside the penis in men or from the cervix in women. The sample is then analysed in a laboratory. Screening is important because if you don’t have signs or symptoms, you can be unaware that you have either infection.
      HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis
      The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages HIV testing, at least once, as a routine part of medical care if you’re an adolescent or adult between the ages of 13 and 64. The CDC advises yearly HIV testing if you are at high risk of infection.
      Request testing for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis if you:Test positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia, which puts you at greater risk of other STIsHave had more than one sexual partner since your last test
      Use intravenous (IV) drugs
      Your doctor tests you for syphilis by taking either a blood sample or a swab from any genital sores you might have. The sample is examined in a laboratory. A blood sample is taken to test for HIV and hepatitis.
      Genital Herpes
      No good screening test exists for herpes, a viral infection that can be transmitted even when an infected person doesn’t have symptoms. Your doctor may take a tissue scraping or culture of blisters or early ulcers, if you have them, for examination in a laboratory. But a negative test doesn’t rule out herpes as a cause for genital ulcerations.
      READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why You’re Suddenly Experiencing Painful Sex
      A blood test also may help detect a herpes infection, but results aren’t always conclusive. Some blood tests can help differentiate between the two main types of the herpes virus. Type 1 is the virus that more typically causes cold sores, although it can also cause genital sores. Type 2 is the virus that more typically causes genital sores. Still, the results may not be totally clear, depending on the sensitivity of the test and the stage of the infection. False-positive and false-negative results are possible.
      HPV
      Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer while other varieties of HPV can cause genital warts. Most sexually active people become infected with HPV at some point in their lives, but never develop symptoms. The virus typically disappears within two years.
      No HPV screening test is available for men, in whom the infection is diagnosed only by visual inspection or biopsy of genital warts. In women, HPV testing involves:
      Pap Smear. Pap tests, which check the cervix for abnormal cells, are recommended every two years for women between ages 21 and 30. Women age 30 and older can wait three years between Pap tests if their past three tests have been normal.
      HPV test. Samples for the HPV test are collected from the cervical canal. This test usually isn’t offered to women younger than 30 because HPV infections that will ultimately clear up on their own are so common in this age group.
      HPV has also been linked to cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis and anus. Vaccines can protect both men and women from some types of HPV, but they are most effective when administered before sexual activity begins.
      READ MORE: 7 Reasons Your Period Might Be Late — Other Than Pregnancy
      At-Home STI Testing
      Gaining acceptance and popularity are at-home test kits for certain STIs, such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. For home STI testing, you collect a urine sample and then follow the instructions in the package insert. However, tests done on samples you collect yourself may have a higher rate of false-positive results, meaning the test indicates you have an STI that you really don’t have. If you test positive from a home test, contact your doctor or a public health clinic to confirm the test results.
      If you test positive for an STI, the next step is to consider further testing and then to get treatment as recommended by your doctor. In addition, inform your sex partners. Your partners need to be evaluated and treated, because you can pass some infections back and forth.
      Expect to feel various emotions. You may feel ashamed, angry or afraid. It may help to remind yourself that you’ve done the right thing by getting tested so that you can inform your partners and get treated. Talk with your doctor about your concerns. More