Section 1
How often should STD testing be considered?
- 01
Discuss your history
A GP or sexual-health clinician should ask about partners, protection, symptoms and the body sites involved.
- 02
Choose the right samples
Screening may use blood, urine or swabs from the vagina, throat, rectum, cervix or urethra depending on exposure.
- 03
Agree on timing
Some people need annual or more frequent screening; after a recent exposure, testing too early may need to be repeated.
- 04
Plan follow-up
Ask how results are delivered, whether partners need care and when repeat testing is recommended.
Ask exactly what is included before using phrases such as ‘full panel’. No single sample checks every infection or every body site. A urine test may not detect an infection in the throat or rectum, and routine herpes blood screening is not recommended for most people without symptoms because false or unclear results can cause harm. The clinician should explain both what is being tested and what is not.
Source: CDC — Getting tested for STDsCDC — STD screening recommendationsCDC — Screening for genital herpesUAE Legislation — Federal Law on Control of Communicable DiseasesNEPHU — What is Safe Sex? (video)
Section 2
What should you know about chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes?
These infections can be present without obvious symptoms. Diagnosis should come from appropriate clinical testing, and treatment or management should be guided by a qualified clinician.
Chlamydia
Often has no symptoms. Possible signs include unusual vaginal or penile discharge, burning urination, bleeding between periods or after sex, rectal symptoms and lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Testing commonly uses urine or a swab.
Gonorrhoea
Can affect the genitals, rectum or throat and is often symptom-free. It is curable with clinician-prescribed antibiotics, but the exact regimen must follow current guidance because resistance patterns change.
Herpes simplex
HSV-1 often causes oral cold sores but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 most often affects the genital region. Either type may be transmitted without visible sores; antiviral treatment can manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are generally identified with nucleic acid amplification tests using samples matched to the exposure site. A herpes swab works best when a fresh sore is present; blood testing has important limitations and is not a routine screen for everyone. If a result does not fit the symptoms or timing, ask whether confirmation, repeat sampling or a different diagnosis should be considered.
Source: CDC — About chlamydiaCDC — About gonorrhoeaCDC — About genital herpesCDC — Screening for genital herpes