Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are transferred from one individual to another through sexual contact such as oral, anal or vaginal sex. There are several STDs, such as:

• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Pubic lice
• Trichomoniasis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease 
• Genital warts

Unlike STIs, STDs present with different symptoms for each disease, which in the former case may be overlapping or completely absent in some cases.

Here are certain early tell-tales of the STIs that convert into STDs:

• Discomfort or pain during intercourse
• Unusual bleeding and discharge from the vagina or penis
• Itchiness around your vagina
• Rashes, bumps or sores on your vagina, testicles, penis, buttocks, anus, thighs and mouth 
• Swollen and painful testicles
• Unexpected bleeding after any sexual activity

On progression of STDs, the symptoms may change and include:

• Recurring pain
• Fever
• Memory loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Changes in hearing and vision
• Weight loss
• Swelling or lumps

If you suffer from these symptoms, you should consider booking an appointment with your healthcare provider.

They are most likely to recommend some physical examinations and medical tests to ascertain the specific STD/s you might be suffering from. This may include:

• Physical tests
• Blood tests
• Swabs of body fluids
• Special procedures like colposcopy or keyhole surgery

Which tests determine STD infection?

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive range of STD tests. This includes:

• Anti HCV: This test is done to screen and diagnose a person for the likelihood of a patient infected with Hepatitis C virus. 
• HIV Rapid: Also known as Rapid HIV Antibody Test, this helps diagnose HIV infection in the blood. 
• HBsAg Screening(Rapid): Also known as Hepatitis B Testing, this is done to screen and diagnose Hepatitis B Infection
• CD4 Count: Also known as CD4 lymphocyte count test, this test helps to determine the strength of the immune system in case one has diagnosed with HIV infection
• HCV Tri Dot: HCV TRI-DOT is a rapid, visual, sensitive and qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the detection of antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus in human serum or plasma.
• HBsAg Confirmatory Test: This test helps to confirm the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen in the blood.
• (VDRL) RPR Qualitative- Serum: It helps to screen and diagnose a sexually transmitted infection from the bacteria Treponema Pallidum.

Why is it important to get tested for STDs?

It can be difficult for some people to undergo STDs. The reticence can be attributed to the fear of being diagnosed with fatal infections or the stigma attached to it. Many people also believe that having no symptoms means they are completely healthy.

These reactions are normal and understandable. Nevertheless, giving the STD tests a miss can put you and the people intimately involved with you, at significant risk. Safe sex and the usage of condoms might not suffice in such situations.

Hence, getting yourself tested for STDs is essential. These test will help:

• Ensure that you do not pass any infection to people around you
• Reduce spread of conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, which might cause infertility
• Prevent any trouble that may harm the pregnancy or the unborn child
• Lower your risk of getting HIV, if you are suffering from syphilis or herpes
• Reduce the chances of contracting health complications like bladder issues, cirrhosis, anal cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, penile cancer, loss of motor function, blindness, damage to eyes, brain, heart, bones and kidneys, etc.

So, get rid of the fear and get yourself tested for STDs. Apollo 24|7 offers quick and easy testing plans that can be carried out from the comfort of your own house. You can choose the time slot for the test at your convenience. The results will be available online, thereby ensuring no hassle whatsoever.