STD Testing in Singapore: What are your options?

Sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is obviously a very sensitive and private topic. One cannot simply open up about this so casually during a ladies brunch or during a night out with the boys. A lot of people experiencing symptoms of STD shy away from getting treatment because they feel embarrassed. If the thought of talking about it is uncomfortable, filling up a form with your personal details for testing is even more distressing. However, you should know that there is an option to get STD testing in Singapore (https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/services/sexual-health/std-testing) without having to submit any identification. Yes, you read it right. Not even your name. Scroll down to find out more.

What is STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases are various health conditions that stem from an infection that is acquired through sexual activities. Not all infections may result in STD, but regardless it is important to have yourself checked to keep your body healthy, especially if you are sexually active and/or have multiple partners.

What are the STD test options in Singapore?

There are three common type of STD testing done in Singapore:

Blood test – used for diagnosing genital herpes, HIV, and syphilis
Genital or oral swab test – used for diagnosing chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea
Urine test – used for diagnosing gonorrhea

Blood test. During this type of test, a small amount of blood is drawn out. The blood samples are then sent to a laboratory to undergo several tests to check for possible STDs.

Genital or oral swab test. This test uses a medical swab to collect cell samples from the target area and then sent to a lab for STD screening. Parts that are usually swabbed for this test are the anal canal, cervix, vaginal area, penis, or urethra area.

Urine test. A small cup is provided where the urine will be collected and contained following specific instructions from your medical provider. The urine sample is then sent for STD tests in a laboratory.

These tests can be done for STDs like:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV
Syphilis

Is there an option to get tested anonymously?

There are many clinics that are approved by the Ministry of Health Singapore to carry out anonymous STD / HIV testing. The clinics administering anonymous tests will not ask a patient to submit any of their personal information. However, you will still be asked to fill out a questionnaire with some necessary details that are required to diagnose a condition. The information in the questionnaire will be kept highly confidential. A number is tagged to the test that you have taken and this is what you will use to get your results.

How do you prepare for an STD test?

Before proceeding to your STD testing, a consultation with the attending doctor will happen. You will be asked about your medical history, including any preexisting health conditions, and intimate information about your sexual activities. A pelvic exam may also be done to check for other symptoms of STD that may already be present. If you are experiencing symptoms of STD, take note of when they first started, how long you have had them, what they look or smell like, and their location in your body. These details will help your doctor know the most appropriate STD testing that you should take.

On the day of your STD test, take some time to prepare yourself. You can follow these tips:

Eat a full meal before going to the clinic, especially when you are undergoing a blood test.
Dress in comfortable and loose clothing. Avoid wearing long sleeved tops when you are scheduled for a blood test.
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly if you are providing samples of urine for your STD test.

STD tests are usually completed in under an hour.

How long will it take for the results to be available?

Depending on the type of STD test that was performed, the results may be released within three to five days. Further tests will be required for results that come back positive. This is to accurately diagnose the STD present. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you can discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.

What to do if your STD test is positive?

Aside from getting additional tests for STD, it is important that you inform your partner about your diagnosis. This is imperative as your partner may also have an infection, which can only be confirmed through testing. If an STD is not diagnosed and treated, the chances of it spreading to other people only increases. Likewise, if you have been treated for STD, your undiagnosed partner can pass it back to you.

For women, untreated STDs can result in other medical conditions that can cause infertility and other factors that can affect their chances of getting pregnant.

What to do if you have completed your treatment for STD?

If you have completed your STD treatment plan, your doctor will recommend to undergo STD testing again after three months. You can get infected by some STDs again, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, despite completing your treatment.

What other support can you get when you have tested positive for STD in Singapore?

Many gynecology and sexual health clinics in Singapore offer sexual counseling. There are also Family Service Centres in the community that can be of help, particularly with sexual health concerns and issues that involve the youth.

Final word

STD is a common occurrence nowadays. Getting tested for it is nothing to be ashamed of. Think of it as putting priority on your health as well as your loved one’s health. You can increase the chances of curing or managing STD. In addition, you are also protecting society from spreading infections that can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease.

Have a conversation with your doctor about the tests that you may need based on your sexual history and symptoms. If you are not comfortable with giving your personal information when undergoing an STD test, you can always opt for anonymous testing.

Lastly, it is natural to feel mixed emotions when you receive a positive result after your STD testing in Singapore. You may feel scared, embarrassed, angry, or depressed. You can always get sexual health counseling to help in processing these feelings.

Artisan Health Clinic

Paragon

290 Orchard Road #07-01,

Paragon Medical Suites,

Singapore 238859

https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/

Phone / Whatsapp

(65) 8129 8877