STD Test

STD test (STI testing) Singapore is widely available at a GP clinic or a clinic that specializes in Men’s/Women’s Health. Discreet STD testing Singapore is available at many of these clinics.

STD(s) can affect people silently without causing any symptoms and with all the different types of STD(s) out there such as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Genital Herpes (caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2), you may be unsure if you have contracted any from of an STD.

Of course, If you develop any signs and symptoms of STD, or you have a recent exposure with partner/(s) with STD, you should definitely consider going for STD testing/screening/check.

STD test/screening/check in Singapore is recommended to one who has:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Multiple sexual partners
• Forced unconsented sexual acts
• A history of STD
• Involved substances such as alcohol or recreational drugs during sexual acts
• Involvement with intravenous drug use

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of STD in Singapore?

With the different types of STD in Singapore, it can be confusing to find out which you may be suffering from. STD testing in Singapore is effective in identifying STD such as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Genital Herpes (caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2).

If you are Female, be mindful of the following symptoms. It is highly advised to approach a doctor for an STD test should you experience the following:

• Abnormal ulcers, lumps or bumps over genital, rectal, or oral region
• Unusual lymph node swelling
• Rash affecting the body, hands and feet
• Painful urination
• Abnormal and odorous vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever

If you are Male, be mindful of the following symptoms. It is highly advised to approach a doctor for an STD test should you experience the following:

• Abnormal ulcers, lumps or bumps over genital, rectal, or oral region
• Unusual lymph node swelling
• Rash affecting the body, hands and feet
• Painful urination
• Unusual odorous discharge from penis
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever

Some Common STD in Singapore

CHLAMYDIA

Most times, a person might not realise that he/she has contracted Chlamydia as might not notice symptoms or are simply asymptomatic. Some patients may have a burning, itching sensation when passing urine. Clear discharge may also be noticed from the genitals.

In cases where Chlamydia affect the anal/rectal region, the patient may experience bowel movements with pain, or even the feeling of having to go again shortly after passing motion.

Should such symptoms be identified, it is advised to go for an STD test.

GONORRHOEA

The most common symptoms for gonorrhoea for the presence of a greenish or yellowish discharge from their genitalia. Burning sensations or pain when passing urine can also be felt.

There are cases where Gonorrhoea can affect the anal/rectal region. In such cases, the patient may experience bowel movements with pain, or even the feeling of having to go again shortly after passing motion.

Should such symptoms be identified, it is advised to approach a doctor for an STD test.

SYPHILIS

Symptoms of a syphilis infection differs from stage to stage of the disease. In the earliest stage (10 days to 3 months after exposure), the first sign a patient may notice is a single ulcer or sore on the point the bacteria entered the body. This sore is painless, and can be hidden inside spaces that cannot be seen easily, such as inside the vagina or rectum. This will heal on its own, but does not mean the disease has been cured. This will mean that it is about to progress to the next stage in the syphilis infection.

In the secondary stage of syphilis infection, typically 2 to 10 weeks after the sore or ulcer appears, the patient may develop a rash. This rash consists of small, reddish or brown sores in the mouth, vagina or anus. Fever, headaches, muscle aches and swollen glands may also be present at this stage. If treatment is not administered immediately, the symptoms may go away, but may present themselves repeatedly for up to a year. Left untreated, the infection will progress into the next stage.

Not every syphilis patient will encounter the stage where the symptoms seem to disappear, in some cases, for a period of 10 to 30 years from the initial infection. This is known as the latent phase of the syphilis infection. This lack of symptoms does not mean the disease has been cured, but the bacteria is lying dormant in the body. Some of the cases in the latent stages will then progress to the final and most severe stage of the syphilis infection.

In the final stage of syphilis infection, the patient is at risk of organ failure and in some cases, death. The infection also causes complications in the brain, which may also lead to stroke. Other symptoms like numbness to touch, deafness or blindness may manifest. Changes to personality and dementia have also been known to affect patients at this stage.

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV)

Commonly known as herpes, it can affect various parts of the body. Most often manifested as sores on the genitals or mouth. The herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can spread from person to person through direct contact, like kissing or sexual intercourse. There are 2 types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Popularly known as oral herpes, is responsible for cold sores at the mouth and face areas.

The virus is highly virulent when the infected person is having a outbreak, though this virus may be contracted even from a asymptomatic person. Outbreaks might not happen even if you test positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Responsible for genital herpes outbreaks. This virus is contracted through direct contact with a person who has a herpes sore. It has shown that people are more at risk of contracting HSV from a carrier if they engage in sexual contact without use of barrier methods such as condoms.