An STD test is a medical screening that detects sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through blood, urine, or swab samples. Testing can identify infections even when no symptoms are present, which is important because many STDs remain asymptomatic for months or years.

Testing is also available for less common STDs and related infections, including:

• Candidiasis
• Chancroid
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma

Our friendly doctors can recommend specific tests based on your sexual history, symptoms, and risk factors.

Anyone who is sexually active should consider regular STD screening, regardless of whether symptoms are present. Testing is particularly important if you have had unprotected sex, multiple partners, or a partner who has tested positive for an STD.

You should also get tested if you:

• Are starting a new sexual relationship
• Have experienced symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, rash or pain during urination
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (typically included in pre-natal screenings)
• Have shared needles or injection equipment

Symptoms may appear within days of exposure or take weeks to develop, depending on the STD. Some infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are often asymptomatic, particularly in women.

The STD window period is the time between potential exposure and when a test can accurately detect an infection. Testing too early may produce a false negative result, so timing matters.

STD	Window Period
Chlamydia	24 hours to 6 days
Gonorrhoea	24 hours to 6 days
HIV	14 days
Syphilis	3 to 6 weeks
Herpes (HSV)	4 to 6 weeks
Hepatitis B	6 weeks

Routine STD screening every 6 to 12 months is generally recommended for sexually active individuals. Your doctor may suggest more frequent testing depending on factors such as sexual activity, number of partners, and consistent use of protection.

The testing process is straightforward and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

STD test results are reported as negative (no infection detected), positive (infection detected), or inconclusive (requiring repeat testing).

• Negative results mean no infection was detected at the time of testing. If you tested within a window period, retesting after sufficient time has passed may be recommended.
• Positive results will prompt a discussion of treatment options. Your doctor will explain the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and advise on any precautions to take during recovery. Early detection generally leads to better treatment outcomes.

STD tests are generally reliable, but no test is 100% accurate. The most common reason for incorrect results is testing too early, before the window period has passed. Other factors that can affect accuracy include sample quality and whether the correct test site was swabbed.

At ATA Medical, we provide STD testing as individual tests or screening packages, with prices as follows:

For a more comprehensive health assessment, consider our health screening packages, which can include STD testing alongside other routine checks.

Treatment for STDs depends on the type of infection. Bacterial and parasitic STDs can be cured with antibiotics, while viral STDs require long-term management with antiviral medication. Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications or transmission.

Treatment Outcome	STDs
Curable with antibiotics or antivirals	Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, mycoplasma genitalium, hepatitis C
Manageable with long-term medication	HIV, hepatitis B, herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2), varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus
Treated only if symptomatic	Mycoplasma hominis, ureaplasma parvum, ureaplasma urealyticum

Completing the full course of medication is essential for curable STDs, even if symptoms resolve early. For manageable STDs, consistent treatment allows individuals to lead healthy lives and significantly reduces transmission risk.

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