Given the number of infections that are sexually transmitted , an analysis for sexually transmitted diseases is one of the most relevant. It is such a laboratory study that makes it possible to detect the presence of pathogens and begin timely treatment.
What ailments are related to sexually transmitted diseases?
Modern medicine diagnoses more than 30 sexually transmitted infections. Some of them can be fatal, others can cause significant harm to the body. The list of the most dangerous diseases contains:
- HIV infection;
- hepatitis B, C;
- syphilis.
That is why for any visit to a health care institution where you will undergo treatment, it is necessary to take tests for sexually transmitted diseases from this list. This is a mandatory measure for all citizens receiving medical care. This is due to the fact that, in addition to sexual transmission, these diseases can be infected through the blood. Thus, this measure is designed to protect patients undergoing both inpatient and outpatient treatment in medical institutions.
In addition to the diseases from the listed list, there is another group of infections that are sexually transmitted. There are much more than 30, but the current level of laboratory research allows you to detect only this amount. An analysis for sexually transmitted diseases from this group is not mandatory; it is only given at will. However, given that the presence of any infection in the body can cause significant harm to it, it is advisable to periodically pass this analysis in order to detect it in time and begin treatment.
When do I need to undergo a laboratory examination?
An analysis for sexually transmitted diseases must be taken in the following cases:
- change of partner and unprotected sexual intercourse;
- pregnancy planning and onset;
- characteristic sensations in the genital area (burning, itching, discharge);
- infertility;
- pathological pregnancy (miscarriage);
- preparation for surgical intervention in the genitourinary system;
- monitoring the progress of treatment of a venereological disease.
Analysis Methods
You can go through this laboratory examination in several ways, choosing the most convenient for yourself. So, tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be passed:
- By collecting a smear from the urethra, cervical or urethra, as well as the vagina. The advantage of this method is that the analysis can be taken directly during a visit to the doctor and get the result in a short time. However, with this method of collecting material, some infections may not be detected, which will lead to unreliable results. In this case, an additional analysis will be assigned.
- By taking blood, when it is necessary to clarify the results of the smear. However, it should be borne in mind that antibodies to infection are not produced immediately, and since the composition of the blood determines precisely their presence and quantity, this method will be ineffective for a short period after infection.
- By collecting bacteriological culture. This method is used to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to identify the level of susceptibility of the pathogen.
Tests for sexually transmitted diseases in men and women
Given the fact that the number of partners in the male half is usually greater than the female, the need for this laboratory examination is higher for them. The penetration of infections of this group into the body in the absence of treatment becomes chronic. For men, this threatens with prostatitis, early impotence, and possibly infertility.
The latter risk factor is also present in women. There are three ways to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases in men , given the reliability of each. If the result is positive, then after conducting complex treatment, it is necessary to undergo laboratory tests again to make sure it is effective.
Where can I get tested?
When you are faced with the problem of having an infection in your body, the natural question is where to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
To date, this laboratory examination can be passed not only in state clinics, but also in private medical centers. At the same time, if necessary, you can submit the analysis anonymously, since this service is provided for by Russian law.
If you decide to contact a government agency, you need to have a passport, SNILS and a medical policy with you. As a rule, passing tests of such a plan involves visiting the dermatovenerological dispensary at the place of residence. First, consult a doctor who carefully examines you and then writes out a referral for those laboratory examinations that you need.
When contacting a private clinic, you will only need to pay for the procedure if you submit the analysis anonymously. Otherwise, you must have a passport with you. In a private clinic, tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be passed without a referral from a doctor, at will.
However, in that, and in another case, specialist consultation is necessary both during the initial examination and in interpreting the results. This is due to the fact that the doctor, based on your condition and complaints, will determine which tests should be taken. And their results can only be correctly interpreted by a medical professional, since in this case one should pay attention to a lot of nuances on which the term of infection and its degree depend.
Analysis Preparation
To obtain the most reliable result, before visiting the laboratory, it is necessary to observe several rules. So, if you have to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases, you need:
- avoid sexual intercourse two days before a visit to the doctor;
- refrain from urinating 1.5-2 hours before the test by taking a smear;
- Do not eat spicy and salty foods, and refrain from sodas, alcohol and, if possible, smoking.
Compliance with such simple rules increases the reliability of the results, accordingly, you will receive timely treatment and avoid the need for repeated tests.
Waiting for Results
When an analysis for sexually transmitted diseases is ready, it depends on having your own laboratory in the place where you decided to take it. If the material will not be transported anywhere, then the results can be obtained the next day. If the analysis is carried out in a third-party laboratory, the period increases. Then you can expect results up to 3 days. However, modern medicine offers a service such as rapid tests for sexually transmitted diseases. As the name implies, in this case, the result can be obtained very quickly. In some centers it is 20 minutes, and the maximum interval that is given for this kind of analysis is 2 hours. This is a great way to save time, but it should be borne in mind that the cost of such a service will be higher than the usual method.
Thus, the timely delivery of tests for sexually transmitted diseases is one of the most reliable methods of taking care of one's own health. It should also be borne in mind that if any infection was detected in one of the partners, it is present in the other too. That is why it is necessary to conduct joint comprehensive treatment.
Recognizing the importance of timely detection of infections, many health problems can be avoided. Moreover, at the present stage of development of medicine, the passage of such studies is maximally simplified. And given the existence of such a service as rapid tests for sexually transmitted diseases, the time it takes to find out your diagnosis is minimal.