The complete guide to STD testing: All you need to know

Did you know that each day, over a million people are affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world? 1 Surprisingly, most of these infections, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), do not indicate any symptoms. However, the good news is that these infections can be detected early using LifeCell’s STD Male & Females testing kit- a discreet & convenient at-home kit for STD testing.

But do you know how STD testing is done? Is the method same for both males and females? Let’s find out in this article.

What Are STDs & How Are They Transmitted?

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are infections passed from one affected person to another via oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Additionally, certain STDs like herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) can spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. These infections are typically caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Many common STDs do not show noticeable symptoms for a long time, making prevention & testing necessary to curb their spread among sexually active individuals. Not just that, if these asymptomatic STDs go untreated, they can often result in severe reproductive complications like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or even infertility in the long run.

Since many STDs often go undetected, hence it is always advised to take appropriate steps to protect your and your partner’s sexual health. That’s why it is important to prioritise regular STD testing as a precautionary measure.

Let’s now explore how to get tested & what to expect during the process.

How To Get Tested & What To Expect During STD Testing

Depending on the type of infection, your doctor may recommend various tests to accurately diagnose STDs:

Blood test: Primarily detects STDs like syphilis and herpes.
Urine test: Commonly detects infections such as trichomoniasis & gonorrhoea.

Swab test: Helps diagnose HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes infections. In women, the swab is taken from the vagina or the cervix, while in men, it is extracted from the penis or urethra.

It is important to note that candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by yeast can be detected easily by microscopic visualisation. For this, the clinician may collect a swab sample from infected women and a urine sample from men.

But,

Did you know?

Among all laboratory methods, the real-time PCR technique is considered one of the most advanced diagnostic tools for screening STDs!

So, for the sake of your sexual health, have open conversations with your doctor about STD testing , and above all, get tested!

But what if, instead of embarrassing clinic visits, you could conveniently test for STDs from the comfort of your home?

Yes, that’s possible! Of all the STD testing kits available, LifeCell’s STD Male and Female at-home self-collection kits will give you this opportunity. Alternatively, if you prefer more traditional options, you can book a private STD test online and choose a setting that feels discreet and comfortable. Check out what this STD kit offers in detail below.

How Many STDs Can LifeCell’s At-Home Testing Kit Detect?

With the real-time PCR technique, LifeCell’s STD Male & Female kit can detect 7 STIs in men and 8 STIs in women. The type of samples required to carry out the STD test includes :-

Vaginal swab sample from women &
Urine sample from men

And, once you’ve taken this test, here’s what they may indicate:

STD testing

Link:https://www.lifecell.in/product/health-check/std-test-female

https://www.lifecell.in/product/health-check/std-male

What To Do If Your Results Are Positive?

In case you test positive for any STD, don’t panic! Remember, millions worldwide are affected by STDs, but most are treatable with medicine, & some can even be completely cured. So, the next steps you can take are :

Consult LifeCell’s health expert or your doctor for guidance on potential treatments and the best way forward.
Follow the prescribed treatment and complete the course as directed.
Get tested again after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared.
If necessary, ensure your partner is also tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Final Note

Sexually transmitted diseases can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age or gender. Therefore, regular STD testing is one of the most effective ways to protect both yourself and your partner. To take charge of your sexual health with LifeCell’s at-home STD test kit, just follow these simple steps: