What's Included In a Full Sexual Health Screening? A Complete Guide
A regular sexual health screening can save a life, offering early detection and intervention that can prevent severe complications down the line.
It is as important as your annual cardiovascular, respiratory or physical checkups, and this is because,
symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and infections–in many cases–do not show up early, making them more challenging to detect.
Sexually active individuals are encouraged to get tested regularly as a proactive step toward maintaining their overall health and well-being.
If you haven’t been in a sexual health screening session with your doctor before but are thinking of taking the first step today, we’ve put together a helpful guide for you.
What is a Full Sexual Health Screening?
A sexual health screening is a check-up facilitated by healthcare providers, which includes tests and treatments for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Clinics offering sexual health services can test your blood or get your urine sample or swab to analyse any infections you may have.
Common STIs to watch out for include:
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhoea
- Genital Herpes
- Hepatitis B
When these infections are left undetected and untreated, they can affect fertility and long-term health, and some may even develop into sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Additionally, at Eden Women’s Health, we offer contraceptive counselling, where we provide the support you need in making informed decisions about family planning, reproductive health matters, and contraceptive methods.
You will also need to prepare yourself to answer questions about your sexual and medical history, including when you last had intercourse, whether you’re having protected and unprotected sex, and any unusual symptoms you might be experiencing, among others. Don’t worry; healthcare providers honour your privacy and uphold the confidentiality of patient information.
What Does a Full Sexual Health Screening Include?
Blood Tests for Various Infections
STI testing through blood tests can help diagnose the following infections:
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and destroys specific cells in your immune system that protect the body against diseases from viruses and bacteria. Unlike an HPV test, which involves collecting a sample of your cervical cells, HIV testing includes drawing out blood from a vein in your arm.
Early detection of HIV is crucial, as it allows for timely treatment, which can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spreading through sexual contact. Without proper treatment, it can cause serious, life-threatening damage to the brain, heart, and other organs. Symptoms can appear two to three weeks after getting infected and may include fever, sore throat, small painless sore on the genitals, mouth, or anus, and swollen glands. Sexual health screening for this infection involves a blood test that takes less than five minutes.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis causes inflammation in the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C (although not common) can be transmitted sexually, and screening for this is performed through a blood test.
Urine Tests for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Detection
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are bacterial infections transmitted sexually. They often have overlapping symptoms, such as genital discharge and pain while urinating. However, the two are completely different infections.
Both chlamydia and gonorrhoea are caused by the excessive growth of bacteria: Chlamydia trachomatis for chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae for gonorrhoea.
Many women may have no symptoms with a chlamydia infection, highlighting the need to get tested regularly. Your healthcare provider will collect your urine sample for a painless and convenient gonorrhoea and chlamydia test or take a swab.
Swab Tests
Swab tests are another popular way of testing for infection or diseases. Depending on the infection being tested for, swab tests involve taking samples from different areas such as the throat, genital, anus, or sores. It can be used for diagnosing herpes, HPV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia as well.
For women, a pap smear test, which involves swabs, is done to detect early signs of cervical cancer or any precancerous cells.
Physical Examination
Your doctor can also conduct a physical examination where they will look for any sores or rashes. You will be offered a pelvic examination to aid in screening and diagnosis.
While not all infections present visible signs, still checking for them is an essential part of evaluation and diagnosis.
What Happens After the Screening?
After the sexual health screening, you must coordinate with your healthcare provider about the results. They should be able to discuss and help you understand what the test outcomes mean for your health.
If it comes back positive, follow-up steps in determining the best course of action and coming up with an organised treatment plan are necessary to prevent the infection from getting worse.
It is also vital to inform your sexual partner/s about the results, especially if it’s positive. Partner notification is one method to reduce the number of STI rates. This is important because when people know they might have an infection, they can get tested and receive treatment right away, which helps prevent further transmission and protects their partners from re-infection.
How Often Should I Get Tested?
Anyone sexually active should get screened every 6 to 12 months (even if you are having protected intercourse and are in a long-term relationship). Risk factors are having new and multiple partners and a partner having STI.
Women 25 years and older who have risk factors should test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea every year. Meanwhile, men who are sexually active and have intercourse with men should schedule a sexual health screening every three months.
However, it is always best to talk to your doctor about your lifestyle, situation, or risk factors to determine the most appropriate testing schedule for you.
Where to Get a Sexual Health Screening
Sexual health is a critical player in a person’s life, which can affect relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. It is equally important to other aspects of a person’s health, as it encompasses physical, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being.
Access to sexual health screening and information allows people to make safer choices, which can reduce the risk of transmission and being infected.
It is important that you take control of your sexual health with an OB-gynae clinic in Singapore that can help facilitate regular sexual health screenings and provide personalised care designed to meet your sexual health requirements.
Schedule a screening or consult with a healthcare provider like Eden Women’s Health. Led by Dr Sheri Lim, our compassionate healthcare team is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space, effectively supporting you on your sexual health journey.