What does testing involve? |
The type of test or tests you have will depend on if you have symptoms at the time and, the type of sexual activity you have been involved in.
For women, a sexually transmissible infection (STI) test usually includes samples of vaginal secretions, taken with what looks like a long cotton bud.
This can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. In some situations a urine test may be needed for women.
Men who have no STI symptoms will have a urine test. Where a man has symptoms such as discharge from the penis or pain or swelling in the testicles, swabs are taken from the opening at the end of the penis. If you have had anal or oral sex, your doctor may also recommend testing these areas. If you have an ulcer in the mouth or genital area which could be caused by an STI, samples might be taken directly from the ulcer itself.
Testing for HIV is conducted via a blood test which looks for the presence of HIV antibodies. It can take up to 12 weeks for these antibodies to be detected by a test and therefore you may need to have a test after this period of time. Testing can only be conducted with your consent.
Test results usually take about a week to come back. If results show you have an infection, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated, otherwise reinfection can occur.
Avoid having unsafe sex while you or your partner are taking the treatment. You could infect each other again.
Do not drink alcohol while taking the treatment. The alcohol will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You might also forget about having safe sex |
