Currently, a high percent of the population is unaware of the steps that should be taken in the event of an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) suspicion.
- IMPORTANT – these diseases are transmitted vaginally, anally or orally and may also be transmitted through blood or even from a mother to a child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED AN STD?
If you suspect that you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection you should refer to your primary care doctor. At THIS, we offer the services of Eurofins Megalab en Canarias, the clinical analysis laboratories, where you can get all the necessary test done..
WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENTLY OCCURING STDs?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the most frequently occurring diseases are: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and Human papilloma virus (HPV).
- According to the Spanish Dermatology and Venereology Academy, about 70-80% of the sexually active population may be infected with the HPV.
WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE AN STD TEST?
If you are sexually active and not in a stable relationship then you should get tested for STDs regularly. If you suspect that you might have been exposed to an STD or even been infected despite not presenting any symptoms, it is advisable to get tested as soon as the so called window period (or waiting period) is over. This period is important as our body needs time to develop antibodies or the immune system response to the potential disease. Early testing may show a negative result even though an infection may already be present.
For example, if a person had been infected by HIV and had a test performed the following day or shortly after contracting it, the test would likely give a negative result, as the body did not have enough time to produce the antibodies. For this it is advisable to repeat the test after 6 months of possible exposure.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE GETTING TESTED IF I SUSPECT THAT I MAY HAVE BEEN INFECTED WITH HIV?
For accurate results it is recommended to have an HIV test approximately a month of after a potential infection.
In the event of a confirmed exposure to the infection, one should immediately refer to the Emergency department. If taken within 48-72 hours after exposure, the drug post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may prevent an HIV infection. If more time has passed then one should get tested 30 days after exposure. Late diagnostics unfortunately may lead to a public health threat, as the infected person may keep spreading the virus to others.