What is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening?
Many STIs do not show any signs or symptoms in the majority of those infected. Therefore, the only sure way to know if you have an STI is to go for an STI screening, especially if you are sexually active and have engaged in any high-risk sexual activity, such as having unprotected sex with a new partner.
An annual medical check-up is not the same as an STI test, as these check-ups do not usually include any tests for STIs. STI screening may involve blood tests, urine tests, and swabs taken from various parts of the body.
Who should get an STI screening?
Anyone who is sexually active should consider regular STI screenings, especially if they have had unprotected sex, a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or suspect exposure to an STI. Pregnant women and individuals with symptoms of an STI should also get screened.
The type of STI screening depends on the sexual history and risk behaviour of the individual. The risk of having a particular STI is influenced by the type of sexual activity (such as unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse) and the likelihood of their partner or partners having an STI.
Getting tested can be quick and easy. Depending on what you are being tested for, your doctor may take a blood sample, a swab, or a urine sample.
How is STI screening done in Singapore?
Here is a table listing the most common STIs screened at Thomson Specialist Skin Centre and who should be tested for them:
STI | Who should go for the screening? | Type of screening |
|---|---|---|
Chlamydia | All sexually active males and females, especially those with multiple or new partners | Swab of genital area or urine sample (anal swabs if anal sex occurred) |
Gonorrhoea | All sexually active males and females, especially those with multiple or new partners | Swab of genital area or urine sample (anal or oral swabs if anal or oral sex occurred) |
HIV | All adults, especially sexually active gays and bisexuals | Blood test |
Genital Herpes (No symptoms) | All sexually active males and females, especially those with multiple or new partners | Blood test (indicates prior exposure, not usually used for acute diagnosis) |
Genital Herpes (With symptoms) | Sexually active adults showing symptoms like nausea, fever, painful urination, itching, burning sensation, blisters near genitals, and genital sores | Swab of affected area |
Syphilis | All pregnant women and all sexually active males | Blood test |
Trichomonas | All sexually active males and females, especially those with multiple or new partners | Swab of infected area, physical examination, or obtaining a sample of the discharge |
HPV (Genital warts) | Males and females with genital warts | Visual examination and diagnosis or biopsy of wart |
HPV (Cervical cancer) | All sexually active adult females above the age of 25 | Pap smear test followed by biopsy if abnormal test results. Screening should be done once every 3 years until the age of 65 |
Frequently asked questions
Suspect that you have been exposed to an STI?
Contact us to book an appointment for a consultation and screening for common STIs.
