How and where to take the test for sexually transmitted diseases?

Given the number of infections that are sexually transmitted, the analysis for sexually transmitted diseases is one of the most urgent. It is this laboratory test that makes it possible to detect the presence of pathogens and begin timely treatment.

What ailments are related to sexually transmitted diseases?

Modern medicine diagnoses more than 30 sexually transmitted infections. Some of them can lead to death, others - cause significant harm to the body. In the list of the most dangerous diseases are:

• HIV infection;
• Hepatitis B, C;
• syphilis.

That is why, at any address to the health care facility where you will be treated, it is necessary to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases from this list. This is a mandatory measure for all citizens receiving medical care. It is due to the fact that, in addition to sexual transmission, these diseases can be infected through the blood. Thus, this measure is designed to protect patients who go through both inpatient and outpatient care in medical institutions.

In addition to the diseases listed, there is another group of infections that are sexually transmitted. They are much more than 30, but the current level of laboratory research allows you to detect only a given amount. An analysis for sexually transmitted diseases from this group is not mandatory, it is given only on its own. However, considering that the presence of any infection in the body can cause him significant harm, it is desirable to periodically take this analysis in time to detect it and begin treatment.

When is it necessary to undergo a laboratory examination?

The analysis for sexually transmitted diseases should be submitted in the following cases:

• Change of partner and unprotected sexual intercourse;
• Planning and the onset of pregnancy;
• Characteristic sensations in the field of genital organs (burning, itching, discharge);
• infertility;
• Pathological course of pregnancy (miscarriages);
• Preparation for surgical intervention in the genitourinary system;
• Observation of the course of treatment of the venereal disease.

Methods of analysis

Pass this laboratory examination in several ways, choosing the most convenient for yourself. So, tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be passed:

1. By collecting a smear from the urethra, cervical or urethra, and also the vagina. The advantage of this method is that the analysis can be passed directly during a visit to the doctor and get the result in a short time. However, this method of collecting the material may not reveal any infections, which will lead to unreliable results. In this case, an additional analysis will be assigned.
2. By taking blood, when it is necessary to clarify the results of the smear. However, it should be taken into account that antibodies to infection are not developed immediately, and since the composition of the blood determines precisely their availability and quantity, this method will not be effective in the short period after infection.
3. By collecting bacteriological inoculation. This method is used to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to identify the level of susceptibility of the pathogen.

Analyzes for sexually transmitted diseases in men and women

Given the fact that the number of partners in the male half, as a rule, is greater than that of the female, the need for this laboratory examination is higher for them. The penetration of infections of this group into the body in the absence of treatment passes into a chronic form. Men are at risk of prostatitis, early impotence and, possibly, infertility.

The last risk factor is also present in women. To pass analyzes on venereal diseases at men it is possible three by the ways listed above, considering reliability of everyone. If the result is positive, then after a comprehensive treatment, it is necessary to once again undergo laboratory tests to make sure it is effective.

Where can I take tests?

When you are faced with the problem of having an infection in your body, a natural question arises where to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases.

To date, this laboratory examination can be done not only in the state polyclinics, but also in private medical centers. At the same time, if necessary, you can submit the analysis anonymously, since this service is provided by Russian law.

If you decide to apply to a state institution, you need to have a passport, SNILS and a medical certificate. As a rule, the delivery of analyzes of such a plan assumes a visit to the dermatovenerologic dispensary at the place of residence. First, consult a doctor who will carefully examine you and then write a referral to the laboratory tests that you need.

If you contact a private clinic, you will only be required to pay for the procedure if you give the analysis anonymously. Otherwise it is necessary to have a passport with you. In a private clinic, tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be submitted without referral from a doctor, on their own.

However, in both cases, specialist consultation is necessary both during the initial examination and when interpreting the results. It is due to the fact that the doctor, based on your condition and complaints, will determine which tests should be taken. And only the medical worker can interpret their results correctly, as in this case one should pay attention to a lot of nuances on which the term of infection depends and its degree.

Preparation for analysis

To obtain the most reliable result, before visiting a laboratory, it is necessary to observe several rules. So, if you have to take tests for sexually transmitted diseases, you need:

• Avoid sexual contact two days before the visit to the doctor;
• Refrain from urinating for 1.5-2 hours before taking the test by taking a smear;
• Do not eat spicy and salty foods, and also refrain from consuming carbonated drinks, alcohol and, if possible, smoking.

Observance of such simple rules increases the reliability of the results, accordingly, you receive timely treatment and avoid the need for repeated testing.

Waiting for results

When the analysis for venereal diseases is ready, depends on the availability of your own laboratory in the place where you decided to take it. If the material is not transported anywhere, the results can be obtained the next day. If the analysis is carried out in a third-party laboratory, the time is extended. Then you can expect the result to be up to 3 days. However, modern medicine offers such a service as rapid tests for sexually transmitted diseases. As the name implies, in this case the result can be obtained very quickly. In some centers this is 20 minutes, and the maximum interval that is given for this kind of analysis is 2 hours. This is a great way to save time, but it is worth noting that the cost of such a service will be higher than that of the usual method.

Thus, timely delivery of tests for sexually transmitted diseases is one of the most reliable methods of taking care of one's own health. Also, it should be borne in mind that if an infection is found in one of the partners, it is present in the other too. That is why it is necessary to conduct joint complex treatment.

Realizing the importance of timely detection of infections, you can avoid many health problems. Moreover, at the present stage of the development of medicine, the passage of such studies is simplified as much as possible. And given the existence of such services as rapid tests for sexually transmitted diseases, the time it takes to find out your diagnosis is minimal.