What are Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening?
Many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) do not show any signs or symptoms in the majority of those infected. Therefore, the only sure way to know if you have an STI is to go for an STI screening, especially if you are sexually active and have engaged in any high risk sexual activity (such as having unprotected sex with a new partner). An annual medical check-up is not the same as an STI test as these check-ups do not usually include any tests for STIs. These may involve blood tests, urine tests as well as swabs taken from various parts of the body.
How is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening done in Singapore and who should get it?
The type of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening done depends on the sexual history and risk behaviour of the individual being screened. The risk of a patient having a particular STI depends on the type of sexual behaviour that has occurred (such as unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse) and the likelihood of their partner or partners having an STI. Getting tested can be quick and easy. Depending on what the patient is being tested for, your doctor may take a blood sample, a swab, or a urine sample.
Below is a table listing the most common STIs being screened in Thomson Specialist Skin Centre and who should be tested for them:
| Sexually Transmitted Infection | Patient | Type of Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | All males and females currently sexually active; especially those with multiple sexual partners or new partners | Swab of genital area or urine sample. (Anal swabs will be done if patient has had anal sex). |
| Gonorrhoea | All males and females currently sexually active; especially those with multiple sexual partners or new partners | Swab of genital area or urine sample. (Anal or oral swabs will be done if patient has had anal or oral sex). |
| HIV | All adults, especially sexually active gays and/or bisexuals | Blood Test |
| Genital Herpes (No symptoms) | All males and females currently sexually active; especially those with multiple sexual partners or new partners | Blood test (indicates prior exposure and not usually used in acute diagnosis) |
| Genital Herpes (With symptoms) | Sexually active adults showing symptoms such as nausea, fever, painful urination and itching, burning sensation with blisters near genitals and genital sores | Swab of Affected Area |
| Syphilis | All pregnant women; all sexually active males | Blood test |
| Trichomonas | All males and females currently sexually active; especially those with multiple sexual partners or new partners | Swab of infected area, physical examination or obtaining a sample of the discharge. |
| HPV (Genital warts) | Males and females who have genital warts | Visual examination and diagnosis or biopsy of wart |
| HPV (Cervical cancer) | All sexually active adult females above the age of 25 | Pap smear test followed by biopsy if abnormal test results. Screening should be done once every 3 years until the age of 65 |
If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new sexual partner, or multiple sexual partners, or suspect that you have been exposed to an STI, contact Thomson Specialist Skin Centre to book an appointment with us for a consult and screening of the following common STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, herpes, HPV, syphilis and trichomoniasis.