There is a misconception among many people that if they have sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they would be aware of it. The truth is that in a major percentage of the people with STIs, there are no signs or symptoms. Sometimes the signs are so mild that people can easily overlook them.

There is confusion in lots of people about the pathological tests for STIs. Some people think the tests for STIs are there in the annual medical check-up. This is not the case as most healthcare providers do not test for any STI if you don’t ask them to. You must talk to your healthcare provider to test for some common STIs if you were involved in unprotected sex, have a new partner or multiple partners or have any chance of getting STI. These STIs include HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV, Herpes, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis. However, your healthcare provider will make the final decision about which tests to be done.

HIV

For tests to diagnose HIV, you can go to an HIV test centre in Uttarpara. The pathologist will take your blood sample for test or swab from the inside of the mouth. Your test results will remain confidential.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

There will be a swab of your genital area or the pathologist will take your urine sample to test for both these conditions. Inform your healthcare if you have had oral or anal sex. This is because there may be infections in these sites but the vaginal or urine samples may not be positive.

Genital Herpes (no symptoms)

The pathologist will draw a blood sample from your arm or finger during the blood test in Hooghly for the diagnosis of this condition. You must ask the pathologist for a type-specific IgG test and not an IgM test.

Genital Herpes (with symptoms)

At first, the pathologist will take a swab of the affected area and test it. There may be a blood taste at a later time to confirm this condition if the first test was negative for Herpes.

Syphilis

There will be a blood test or the test of a sample taken from a sore. It is recommended that all pregnant women should undergo tests for syphilis.

Trichomoniasis

The tests will be of a swab of the infected area or a sample of discharge. There may also be a physical exam. In comparison to women, the detection of “Trich” is harder in men.

HPV (genital warts)

There will be a visual diagnosis. In both men and women, warts can occur.

HPV (cervical cancer)

Women should go for a Pap test after the age of 21 years. The detection of cervical cell changes associated with ‘high-risk’ types of HPV connected with cervical cancer is possible through this test. The women above 30 years of age should also go for an HPV test. However, for these types of HPV, there is no test available for men.