Getting a Reliable STD Test in Singapore: Where to Go and What to Know Beforehand

Am I at Risk of STDs?

As long as you are sexually active (either currently or before), you can be exposed to STDs. 

STDs are non-discriminative. They can affect anyone regardless of a person's socio-economic status.

STDs can be completely silent and asymptomatic. 

Hence, STD screening is vital in anyone who is sexually active.

Your exposure risk to STDs increases if you have

• Unprotected sex
• Multiple sexual partners (even if it is sequential rather than simultaneous) or your partner has multiple sexual partners
• History of STDs
• You are young (teens and young adults)
• Concurrent use of recreational substances such as alcohol and drugs
• Engage with paid sex/ sex workers
• Are a men and have sex with men

What are the common signs and symptoms of STDs?

STDs can be completely without any symptoms.

Common symptoms of STDs that one experience include

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
• Painful, abnormal urination
• Lumps and bumps over the genital, anus region
• Blisters, sores, rashes over the genital, anus region
• Itching over the genital and anus region
• Non-specific body rash
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding when not having period (in women)
• Painful testicles (in men)
• Pelvis/ Lower abdominal pain
• Lymph nodes swelling over the groin region
• Fever

While every STD condition present differently depending on types and severity, it is imperative for one to seek medical assistance early when there are concerning symptoms and possible exposure to STDs.

Range of STD tests in Singapore

STD tests are imperative in picking up asymptomatic infection, and in the management of infective symptoms. It can be a daunting task for a lay person to decide which STD tests to consider. 

The write-up here is to simplify things for a lay person to have a better understanding on the STD test options available. You are still advisable to consult your doctor on which tests best suited for you as everyone may have a different risk of exposure.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Screenings

One may consider an STD panel rather than a single infection screen if one is concerned of exposure to STD. This is because when a person is exposed or infected with any STD, the risk of acquiring subsequent (2nd, 3rd, 4th and so forth..) is high. As STDs can be asymptomatic, there is no way to safely conclude one is free of STDs without running the test panels. It is useful to discuss with your healthcare provider that you are comfortable on the relevant tests that you can consider doing. 

Why the Right Clinic for STD Testing Matters

Confidentiality and Privacy

STD matters involve people's personal and social history. One may feel embarrassed to even seek medical support, let alone letting the healthcare professional know their medical history. Stigma and judgmental thoughts can prevent one from seeking medical attention early, resulting in delay, missed diagnosis and treatment. Hence, seeking medical assistance from a clinic that you feel utmost comfortable is important. 

Accuracy of Testing

Going to a sexual health clinic is vital to ensure required STD tests are done properly and results are interpreted accurately. STD tests can come in various forms- blood tests, finger prick tests,  vaginal swabs, urethral swab, rectal swab, urine sample, scrapes and etc. The tests need to be done at the suitable interval after time of exposure, at the right site, right mode, right laboratory method (NAAT/PCR or culture or smear or gram stain tests) to obtain the best results.  

Expertise with Sexual and Reproductive Health

It is important to seek medical assistance from healthcare providers who are trained in sexual and reproductive health. Sexual health topics are a niche medical field that requires years of clinical experience and acumen with sound dermatological background to come up with a reasonable working diagnosis and management plan. Sexual health clinics are also trained to manage psychosocial aspect of sexual disease, especially conditions that are incurable. 

How to Prepare for STD testing

Discussing Sexual history

It is important and useful to let your physician know your symptoms of concern, when the symptoms start, any changes/ progression with time. Your healthcare provider may explore further on your personal social history- this may involve disclosing sexual and medical history. Understanding the nature of exposure history will guide your physician on the possible infections that one can contract, thereafter guiding your physician in achieving an accurate differential diagnosis and treatment plan.

Pre-test Instructions

If you are considering urine testing, you are advised to hold your bladder prior to your appointment in order to provide an accurate sample. In ladies who are considering cervical swab testing, you are advised to arrange your appointment when you are not having your period.

Next Steps: What Happens After STD Tests

How Long to Receive Results

Depending on the tests that are performed, results can take up to 1 to 2 weeks in some. Over the years, there are rapid tests options, allowing certain test results to be out within 20-30 minutes or the following days. Do check with your healthcare providers on your tests results turnover timing. 

Retesting and Follow-Ups

Some STD infections will require retesting and follow up plans to ensure treatment is successful and infection is eradicated from the body. Due to emergence of medication resistant STDs, some medical condition may require retesting due to higher rate of treatment failure. 

Treatment for STDs

Treatment of STDs differs depending on the types of infection. STDs medication can come in the form of antiviral or antibiotic medication. 

The objectives to treat STDs early is to:

• Contain and eradicate infection, prevent further health complications such as fertility issues or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Reduce risk and prevent spread of infection to sexual partner(s)
• Manage risk and prevent/ minimizing risk of recurrence of STD infection
• Breaking the vicious chain of infection, preventing and minimizing re-infection between sexual couples.

Your healthcare provider can offer partner co-treatment and close monitoring to ensure the STD infections are managed promptly.

Confidential STD Screening in a Safe & Comfortable Environment

At DB Clinic, our female and male doctors provide comprehensive STD testing in a confidential, discreet, safe, and comfortable environment. We are committed to making the screening process approachable and professional, so you can seek care with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us at your convenience to book your STD screening today.

References:

1. Garcia MR, Leslie SW, Wray AA. Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2024 Apr 20. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32809643.
2. Wihlfahrt K, Günther V, Mendling W, Westermann A, Willer D, Gitas G, Ruchay Z, Maass N, Allahqoli L, Alkatout I. Sexually Transmitted Diseases-An Update and Overview of Current Research. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 May 8;13(9):1656.
3. CDC. Sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines. 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
4. Sen P, Chio MT, Tan HH, Chan RK. Rising trends of STIs and HIV infection in Singapore-- a review of epidemiology over the last 10 years (1994 to 2003). Ann Acad Med Singap. 2006 Apr;35(4):229-35.
5. Chan RKW, Tan HH. Sexually transmitted infections in Singapore teenagers. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2003 Jan;32(1):25-8.
6. Tan HH, Chan RKW, Goh CL. Sexually transmitted diseases in the older population in Singapore. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2002 Jul;31(4):493-6.