STIs are not always accompanied by symptoms, but they can have a consequence on your health. That is why it is important to detect an STI at an early stage.
A lot of STDs go completely symptomless, but can have serious consequences if left untreated. In addition, individuals without symptoms can easily infect others. Therefore, it is important for anyone at risk for an STD to get tested.
A comprehensive STD screening includes a blood draw that detects HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis in addition to the basic PCR test on a urethral/anal or vaginal swab. This is the only test that screens for all sexually transmitted diseases!
The HIV test detects both the antibodies against the HIV virus and the antigen (p24 antigen) of the HIV virus itself. This test can be performed as early as 10 days after the contracted risk, but is 100% reliable only in case the result is positive. If the test is negative, the test must be performed again after 6 weeks.
