STD Test in Singapore: Common Types and Why It’s Important

What is an STD test?

An STD test is a medical screening test to see if a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has developed into a disease. It's important to get tested for STDs, especially if you're sexually active, because early detection allows for timely treatment and helps prevent the spread of the infection.

Another reason to get tested is that STIs may not develop into an STD and cause symptoms right away. So regular testing is important to prevent a person with an STI (such as HIV or HPV) from unknowingly passing it on to their sexual partners.

In Singapore, STD testing is widely available and can be done at various public or private hospitals, polyclinics or private clinics. The testing process is generally straightforward and usually involves urine tests, blood tests, oral swabs, and genital or rectal swab tests.

What are STDs?

STDs are conditions that occur after an infection (STI) from a sexually transmitted virus or bacteria has caused noticeable symptoms or health problems. For example, if someone is infected with chlamydia and develops symptoms such as abnormal discharge, it's considered an STD.

However, the spread of infection is not always through sexual intercourse; some STIs, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis, can be passed from mother to her infant during pregnancy or childbirth.

Here are some common STDs and their symptoms, which include:

• Chlamydia

  • This STD is a common infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted via vaginal, anal or oral sex.

  • Chlamydia is often asymptomatic (no symptoms), but if symptoms do occur, they may include pain during urination, abnormal discharge, and pelvic pain.

• Gonorrhoea

  • Gonorrhoea is another common STD caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through sexual fluids, including vaginal fluid and semen.

  • Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhoea can cause painful urination, discharge or pelvic pain.

• Syphilis

  • This disease is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which usually causes painless sores or ulcers in the genital area in its early stages.

  • However, if left untreated, it can become life-threatening by damaging the heart, brain or other organs.

• HIV/AIDS

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that destroys cells of the immune system, making it difficult to fight off other diseases. 

  • When HIV has severely weakened the immune system, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

  • Early HIV infection may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Over time, however, it weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to other infections and diseases.

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

  • Herpes is a common infection caused by herpes simplex viruses. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes painful sores or blisters around the mouth, while type 2 (HSV-2) usually affects the genital area.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • HPV is a common STD that can lead to the development of genital warts, abnormal cervical cells, or cervical cancer. Many people with HPV have no symptoms but can still transmit the virus.

• Hepatitis B and C

  • These viruses are infections that affect the liver and can lead to long-term health problems such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. These viruses can be spread through sexual contact, blood and other bodily  fluids.

If you are concerned about your sexual health and concerned that you may experience any of the mentioned conditions above, request an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can assist with further diagnosis, including an STD test, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide a tailored treatment plan.

Why is an STD test important?

Getting tested is essential because STD testing can detect infections before symptoms appear, even if someone looks healthy. Here are some reasons why STD testing and screening are important:

• Early detection

  • Some STIs are asymptomatic in the early stages, so someone may be infected but not experience symptoms at all. 

  • This is why STI testing allows for timely treatment, which can prevent the infection from developing into a disease and reduce the risk of spreading it.

• Help protect others

  • Knowing your status can help protect others. If you test positive for an STI, you can take steps to prevent passing it on to your partners—and tell them so they can get tested and treated too.

• Preventing complications

  • Untreated STIs can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility and chronic pain, as well as an increased risk of contracting HIV. 

  • So an STD test can help prevent these complications by treating the condition early and improving your chances of a full recovery.

• Peace of mind

  • Regular testing can ease your worries and assure you of your sexual health, which is vital to your well-being.

• Ensuring a healthy pregnancy

  • An untreated STI during pregnancy can pose serious health risks to both mother and baby. Testing allows early intervention so that treatment can be started to protect them both.

When do I need an STD test?

In general, STD testing is recommended in the following situations:

• If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners.

• If you have symptoms such as unusual discharge or sores.

• If you currently have HIV

• If you have had a sexual relationship with someone who has tested positive for an STI.

In addition, pregnant women should be tested to prevent possible transmission of infection to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Types of STD tests

There are several types of tests used to detect STDs, which usually involve taking samples of bodily fluids or cells to check for signs of infection. It's usually a painless and relatively quick procedure.

It's understandable if you feel uncomfortable having your private parts examined. But rest assured, your healthcare professional will ask your permission to look at or touch your body to make you as comfortable as possible.

Depending on the suspected type of infection, your healthcare provider may recommend one of the following tests:

Urine test

These tests are often used to detect bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. For this test, you'll be asked to provide a urine sample, which will be analysed for bacterial infections.

It's a non-invasive and simple test, and of course you'll be given privacy during the sample collection.

Blood test

Blood tests are commonly used to detect viral STDs, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. During the test, your healthcare provider will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube.

Your blood will then be tested in a laboratory for antibodies or other markers that indicate the presence of an infection. Blood tests are also used to check for certain STDs that are difficult to detect by other means.

Swab test

A swab test is often used to test for infections, such as herpes, gonorrhoea or HPV. During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses a soft swab to take a sample from the genital, oral, or anal area.

If there are any blisters, sores, or unusual discharges—such as urethral discharges—they will take a sample and test it for STIs.

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

In some rare cases, if your healthcare provider thinks you have an advanced syphilis or herpes infection, a lumbar puncture will be performed. For this test, a healthcare provider will inject an anaesthetic into your back so that you don't feel any pain during the procedure.

A thin, hollow needle is then carefully inserted between two vertebrae in your lower spine to collect a small amount of spinal fluid for testing.

Not sure which type of STD test suits your condition? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to consult a healthcare provider who can help determine which test method best suits your medical condition.

STD test cost in Singapore

The cost of STD testing in Singapore can vary depending on the type of test and whether it is done at a public or private facility. However, in general, STD test prices in Singapore are as follows:

• Basic STD tests such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cost between SGD 50 and SGD 150 per test.

• More comprehensive STD screening (covering multiple infections such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis) can range from SGD 150 to SGD 500 or more, depending on the scope of the tests.

• HIV testing can range from SGD 50 to 100 for a standard test, although some clinics offer free HIV testing.

• HPV and Pap smear tests can cost between SGD 100 and 250.

Private clinics may charge more than public health services, but they often offer faster service, and some provide walk-in testing for added convenience. Certain clinics also offer package deals for comprehensive STD testing.

Unfortunately, STD testing is not covered by Medisave or the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) in Singapore. However, some private health insurance plans may provide coverage, depending on the policy. To further reduce costs, some healthcare facilities in Singapore may offer subsidised or affordable tests.

For detailed fee information and payment options, please consult your healthcare provider directly. Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical today for a detailed price breakdown and a personalised care plan.

How can I protect myself from STDs?

Protecting yourself from STIs means practising safe sexual behaviours. Here are some steps to protect yourself, such as:

• Use condoms

  • Condoms are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from many STDs, including HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

• Limit sexual partners

  • Having fewer sexual partners reduces the risk of exposure to STDs.

• Get vaccinated

  • Vaccines are available for certain STDs, such as the HPV vaccine (to prevent cervical cancer) and the hepatitis B vaccine.

• Regular testing

  • Regular STD testing is important, especially if you have multiple sexual partners, to ensure early detection and treatment.

• Monogamy

  • Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who’s tested negative for STIs will also help to reduce the risk of infection.

FAQ

Are STD and STI the same?

Although the terms STD and STI are often used interchangeably, they are technically different:

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

  • This term refers to an infection that has been transmitted through sexual contact but may not necessarily show symptoms.

• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

  • This term refers to infections that have progressed to the point where they cause noticeable symptoms or medical conditions.

An STI does not always lead to an STD, but all STDs start as STIs.

How common are STDs in Singapore?

Sexually transmitted diseases are relatively common in Singapore, especially among sexually active young adults. According to the Ministry of Health, rates of certain STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, have increased recently.

So it is important for people, especially those with multiple sexual partners, to get tested frequently to prevent infections from developing.

How to check for STDs in Singapore?

In Singapore, you can get tested for STDs by visiting a healthcare provider at a public or private hospital, a polyclinic, or a private clinic.

If you're experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your sexual health, request an appointment with Thomson Medical for a consultation tailored to your condition.

Can I get tested for STDs at the polyclinic?

Yes, STD testing services are available at polyclinics in Singapore. However, it is advisable to call ahead to enquire about the availability of specific tests, as they may not offer all types of tests (such as HIV or herpes) at every location. 

You may need to visit a specialised clinic or private practice for a more comprehensive test.

What does a full STD test include?

A full STD test typically includes various tests to detect common STDs, which include:

• Urine tests: Often used to detect bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea

• Blood tests: Used to detect viral STDs such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B

• Swab tests: Used for infections like herpes, gonorrhoea or HPV, taken from genital, oral, or anal areas

• Lumbar puncture: In rare cases for suspected advanced syphilis or herpes infection

The specific tests recommended will depend on your symptoms, health history, and risk factors. A healthcare professional can help determine which tests are appropriate for your situation, and you may need additional tests depending on your condition.

Can STDs happen if both partners are clean?

If both partners have been tested and found negative for STIs, and neither has had sexual contact with the other person, then the risk of contracting an STI is very low. However, it is important to note:

• Some STIs may not be detected immediately after initial infection.

• Some STIs can be transmitted through non-sexual means (like hepatitis B).

However, the most reliable protection comes from monogamy with a partner who has tested negative, combined with proper condom use.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.