Awareness Day for Sexual and Reproductive Health: You know which STI tests are critical

Is casual sex, without protection, with one or many partners, something you often do? You may end up with a sexually transmitted infection or STI. In fact, whoever is sexually active must be tested for STD. There is a need for regular tests, as infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis do not always show symptoms in the early stages. However, you may have questions about Sti tests. Are you confused about what exactly is going on in these tests and how often should you try? On the occasion of the sexual and reproductive day of health awareness, which falls on February 12, we tell you all.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIS) are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that usually spread through sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anus and oral sex. “Some STDs can also be transmitted by non -sexual means, as from mother to baby during childbirth, blood transfusions or needle reuse,” says the gynecologist and obstetrician Dr Pratibha Singhal.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, Trikimon, human immunodeficiency (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are some of the common STDs, according to research published in the Statpearls in 2024.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Sexually transmitted infections can cause a number of symptoms, but sometimes they can show no symptoms.

• Chlamydia: Burning during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. However, there may be no symptoms.
• Gonorrhea: Yellow or green vaginal discharge, pain during urination and sore throat.
• Syphilis: Painful painful, rash on palms and feet, flu symptoms.
• HIV: Flu -like symptoms, swollen glands, weight loss or no symptoms for years.
• HPV: Genital warts or no symptoms
• Trichomony: Itching, bad discharge, pain during urination.

Which Sti Tests are important to download?

Sti tests are important for control and management, as most infected people have mild or no symptoms, according to a study published in The Sexually transmitted infections Newspaper in 2006.

1. Chlamydia

It is a bacterial Sti for which there is urine test. There is also a SWAB option. “The urine sample or the stamp will be taken from your genital area,” says Dr. Singhal. You cannot pee for 1 to 2 hours before the test detecting the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

2. Gonorrhea

It is another sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. The sample or urine stamp will be taken from private parts, neck or rectum. Avoid urination 1 to 2 hours before the test, which is used to detect the Neisseria Gonorrhoeae bacteria.

3. Syphilis

It is a bacterial infection that usually spreads through sexual activities. To detect the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which causes the infection, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your hand. “No special preparation for this test is required,” says Dr. Singhal.

4 HIV

A blood test can help you find out if they are affected by this sexually transmitted infection, which often spreads with anal or vaginal sex without a condom. “There is also an oral mattress, or rapid finger test to detect HIV antibodies,” the expert says.

5. HPV

This is another common sexually transmitted infection, which often has no symptoms. The pap symear or HPV DNA test and the cervical mattress can be done to detect high -risk HPV executives. “Avoid sex, vaginal douching and wearing tampons 24 hours before Sti tests,” says the expert.

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6. Trichomatopes

A simple tasting or urine test can help you find out if there is a Trichomonas vaginalis parasite in your body. “The layer will be taken from vaginal or urethral discharge or urine sample,” says the expert. You cannot pee at least 1 to 2 hours before the trichotype test.

Who should go for Sti tests?

Regular transition to Sti tests is essential for maintaining sexual health. According to the US Disease Control and Prevention Centers. Sti Tests must be taken from:

• People between the age of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once.
• Each year, women who are sexually active and less than 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• The waiting for mothers should be tested for syphilis and HIV.
• Anyone who shares needles should be tested for HIV at least once a year.
• People who have oral or anal sex should talk to their doctor about Sti tests.

Regular tests are important so you can deal with time. “Unsurpristed STDs can lead to problems such as chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and cervical cancer,” says Dr. Singhal.

Can STI tests be done at home?

Yes, Sti Tests can be done at home using self-test kits. These kits allow you to collect a sample (urine, blood or swab) in the privacy of your home.

• Buy a test kit from a reliable medical provider or pharmacy.
• Depending on the test, you may need to collect a sample:
• Urine (for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonia)
• Blood (finger) (for HIV and syphilis)
• Swab (oral, vaginal or anal) (for HPV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea)

There is usually a need to send the samples to a lab. If you receive a positive result, you should confirm them from the doctors and you should receive a medical opinion immediately. Many sexually transmitted infections do not have clear points. They can remain silent for many months or even years, making SI tests significant.