TL;DR:
- STDs include infections by bacteria (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia), viruses (HIV, HPV), fungi (candidiasis), and can be transmitted via vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
- Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, symptoms affect genital tract and throat. Diagnosed by GC culture or PCR test.
- Syphilis: Caused by bacteria, presents ulcers or rashes; undiagnosed cases can cause severe complications. Diagnosed with VDRL or FTA-ABS tests.
- Chlamydiosis: Often asymptomatic; long-term infections can lead to infertility. Diagnosed with IgM/IgG blood tests or PCR testing.
- HIV: Transmitted sexually or via blood; diagnosed with antigen/antibody tests. Testing free and available after 2 weeks.
- HPV: Causes warts, linked to cervical cancer. Diagnosed via HPV test.
- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood or sex; diagnosed via antigen/antibody blood tests or PCR.
- Candidiasis: A yeast infection; diagnosed with microscopic examination or PCR.
- Regular testing is critical for preventing complications or pregnancy-related risks.
Sexually active people are much more likely to struggle with sexually transmitted microorganisms. This is due to the possibility of a condition with very serious consequences, as well as problems with getting pregnant or complications for the newborn. Many diseases transmitted by this route, especially at first, may not give any symptoms. It is therefore important to perform appropriate diagnostic tests.
What are sexually transmitted diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis are still a topic that is not talked about. The number of infected people is growing every year. That's why proper diagnostic tests should be carried out to help rule out and effectively treat the disease. Sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed in both men and women of different ages. **However, young people with a high level of sexual activity, practicing different techniques and frequently changing partners are most often affected ** There are basic groups of sexually transmitted diseases, depending on the microorganisms that cause them. They can be the result of infection by bacteria (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydiosis), viruses (condylomata, HIV), fungi (candidiasis). It is worth remembering that infection can occur not only through vaginal intercourse – it is also possible through oral and anal sex.
What is the diagnosis of gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacteria of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea causes symptoms related to the genital tract, urethra, throat, conjunctiva, fever and general weakness. ** Infection occurs through sexual contact whether vaginal, anal or oral ** Sometimes the disease can also be contracted by using the same towels and personal hygiene products as a person with the disease. When gonorrhea is suspected, a GC test is performed, which is a culture test for the bacteria that cause gonorrhea. A PCR test can also be performed in a laboratory.
What is the diagnosis of syphilis?
Syphilis like gonorrhea is a bacterial disease. It is very easy to get infected with it – during sexual contact and also through kissing. The main symptom of a syphilis infection is ulcerative skin lesions or rashes all over the body – especially in the intimate areas and on the feet. Ignoring symptoms and not consulting a doctor can cause the disease to go dormant without obvious symptoms. In some cases, this causes syphilis of the central nervous system and can manifest as loss of vision and hearing. Diagnosis of this disease uses VDRL test. This is a standard reimbursable test for pregnant women. For pregnant patients, it is performed twice – the first time at the beginning and at the 37th week of pregnancy. Venous blood is taken from the elbow bend. In a situation where the result comes out positive, a broader diagnosis should be carried out with a test against syphilis, including FTA-ABS. The test can give a false-positive result in some cases. The FTA-ABS test is characterized by high accuracy and sensitivity. It shows a reactivity of 85% for primary syphilis and 100% for secondary syphilis.
What is the diagnosis of chlamydiosis?
The disease is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease is sexually transmitted, and infection usually occurs in young people. Symptoms are often mild and can be confused with other ailments, which is the difficulty in diagnosing it correctly. ** Long-term conditions, however, can lead to infertility.** There are several diagnostic methods to detect the disease. The first is a blood test that verifies the IgM and IgG immunoglobulin problem – it is reimbursed by the National Health Service. The second method is the PCR test, which has a high efficiency. It is a molecular test that is highly sensitive and can detect 99% of cases of the disease. The test substance is obtained from either the cervix (in women) or the urethra (in men). The first 15 ml of morning urine can also be used.
What does HIV diagnosis look like?
The HIV virus also counts among the diseases that can be contracted through sexual contact without a condom. ** Infection also occurs from contact with the blood of a sick person if it gets on broken skin or is injected when sharing needles and syringes.** A woman can also transmit the disease to her baby during childbirth and breastfeeding. The HIV test can be done free of charge, without a referral at one of the consultation and diagnostic centers. During the test, a small amount of blood is drawn. The next step looks for the virus antigen and antibodies that are directed in the opposite direction of the virus. You wait a day or longer for the result – depending on the facility. The first test can be performed 2 weeks after infection, but complete certainty of a negative result is possible only after 12 weeks.
What is the diagnosis of condylomata (HPV)?
Condylomas are a condition caused by HPV. About 100 types of HPV have been identified so far, and about 30 of them are transmitted during sexual contact. **HPV can cause cervical cancer and the occurrence of condylomas ** Symptoms are usually small, flesh-colored warts. Sometimes they reach larger sizes and take on a cauliflower-like form. Symptoms are also accompanied by itching and discomfort during intercourse. The lesions often spread and grow. This is why correct diagnosis is so important. If you notice changes indicative of condyloma, a test is performed to determine what type of virus you are dealing with. For this purpose, for example, HPV test 37 is performed.
What is the diagnosis of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a disease that can be contracted most often through blood. Often infection also occurs during sexual intercourse and direct contact with vaginal secretions or sperm. Diagnosis of the condition consists of a blood test, which determines hepatitis B antigens and antibodies. Antigens are HBsAg, HBeAg, and antibodies are anti HBs, anti HBc and anti HBe. PCR testing can also be used. This test makes it possible to detect the genetic material of the virus and is carried out as an adjunct to earlier diagnosis.
What is the diagnosis of candidiasis?
Candidiasis (genital candidiasis) is a condition caused by yeast. It can be contracted during sexual intercourse, but infection can also occur in public restrooms and swimming pools. The most common symptom of candidiasis is itching, burning of the vagina or vulva, irritation and redness of the mucosa, pain on urination. If there are any symptoms indicative of the disease, it is essential testing. The diagnosis should also be told to the partner, who should also undergo treatment and not cause another infection. One method of diagnosis is microscopic examination. To carry it out, a swab is taken of the discharge from the vagina, vulva or penis, and then a smear is made. At a later stage, the slide is stained, and characteristic yeast cells are looked for. Diagnostic testing takes a minimum of one week. PCR tests detecting the genetic presence of yeast can also be used. The material for the test is taken from infected areas, and the test itself is distinguished by its 99% efficiency.
Why is diagnostic testing for sexually transmitted diseases so important?
Proper treatment of a given sexually transmitted disease and prevention of serious consequences is only possible with the right diagnosis. **Tests to detect the presence of a specific bacteria are most commonly performed ** Samples for testing are taken by genital swab or blood draw. Untreated diseases can cause serious consequences. This is why it is so important to get tested regularly if you change partners frequently. Pregnant women should also get tested for STDs to prevent transmission to the baby. Once the disease is detected, appropriate treatment is most often administered.
Conclusion
Diagnostic testing for sexually transmitted diseases can save lives and prevent harm. From gonorrhea to HIV, timely and accurate testing ensures proper treatment, protecting your health and others'. Ignoring symptoms or delaying testing can lead to infertility, systemic complications, or severe long-term effects. Regular screening is essential, especially if you have multiple partners or are pregnant. Take control of your health by prioritizing early detection and treatment—it’s a small step with life-changing impact.
