Navigating the world of sexual health can feel overwhelming. With so much information, and misinformation, out there, simply knowing which steps to take to protect yourself can be confusing. Regular STD testing is one of the most powerful tools you have, but the question often is: what should I even be tested for?
Taking a proactive stance on your health is not about fear; it’s about empowerment. Knowing your status is the first step to getting effective treatment if needed, and it’s the only way to protect yourself and your partners with confidence. This guide cuts through the noise to provide a clear, authoritative list of the top 10 sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests you can take. We’ll break down what each test is for, how it’s done, and why it’s a crucial part of your personal health check up.
1. Chlamydia Test
Why It’s Essential: Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STDs globally. Its notoriety comes from the fact that it is frequently asymptomatic, especially in women. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system if left untreated, leading to conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In men, it can lead to pain and, in rare cases, infertility.
How the Test is Done: Testing is simple and painless, typically involving a highly accurate nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on a urine sample or a swab from the potentially infected area. You can learn more about the specific methods used for confidential Chlamydia testing at our clinic.
Who Should Get Tested: Anyone who is sexually active, especially when changing partners, should consider regular testing. It is a cornerstone of routine sexual health screening.
2. Gonorrhoea Test
Why It’s Essential: Often found alongside chlamydia, gonorrhoea is another common bacterial STD that can be asymptomatic. When STD symptoms do appear, they can include unusual discharge or pain during urination. Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications, including PID in women and epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles) in men. The rise of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea makes early detection and treatment more critical than ever.
How the Test is Done: Similar to chlamydia, a NAAT test on a urine sample or swab is the recommended method. Our clinic provides discreet Gonorrhoea testing for all potential sites of infection.
Who Should Get Tested: The recommendations are the same as for chlamydia. If you are being tested for one, it is standard practice at any STD clinic to be tested for the other.
3. Syphilis Test
Why It’s Essential: Syphilis is a bacterial infection known as “the great imitator” because its symptoms can mimic many other diseases. It progresses in stages, and if left to progress to the tertiary stage, it can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. The good news is that it is easily curable with antibiotics if caught early.
How the Test is Done: Syphilis is diagnosed with a simple blood test that checks for antibodies. If a sore is present, a fluid sample from the sore can also be analysed. We offer rapid and comprehensive Syphilis testing options.
Who Should Get Tested: Anyone with a suspicious sore or rash, and all sexually active individuals who have not been tested recently. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for all persons at increased risk.
4. HIV Test
Why It’s Essential: An HIV test is arguably the most important sexual health test you can take. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, and without treatment, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Modern HIV treatment is so effective that people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.
How the Test is Done: There are several types of highly accurate blood tests:
- 4th Generation Tests: This is the standard screening test, recommended by international guidelines. It looks for both HIV antibodies and p24 antigens, allowing for earlier detection.
- HIV RNA PCR Test: This test detects the virus’s genetic material directly and can pick up an infection even earlier, within about 10-12 days of exposure. It’s often used when a very recent exposure is suspected or when early HIV symptoms are present.
Who Should Get Tested: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that everyone who is sexually active should be tested for HIV. It should be a routine part of your healthcare.
5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2) Test
Why It’s Essential: Herpes is a very common viral infection. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. Testing is important to confirm a diagnosis, understand your status, and learn how to manage the condition.
How the Test is Done:
- Swab Test: The most accurate method, as per CDC guidelines, is a PCR swab test of fluid taken directly from a blister or sore during an outbreak.
- Blood Test: A type-specific blood test can detect antibodies. This can identify if you have been exposed to the virus, even if you’ve never had symptoms. However, its use in routine screening for asymptomatic people is debated and should be discussed with your doctor. You can find detailed information on our Herpes testing page.
Who Should Get Tested: Anyone experiencing symptoms of herpes (blisters, sores) should get a swab test.
6. Hepatitis B (HBV) Test
Why It’s Essential: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. A chronic HBV infection can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How the Test is Done: A panel of blood tests is used to determine your infection and immunity status. Our clinic provides a full range of Hepatitis B testing and vaccination services, following established diagnostic protocols.
Who Should Get Tested: Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated, individuals with multiple partners, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, in line with global recommendations.
7. Hepatitis C (HCV) Test
Why It’s Essential: Hepatitis C is another virus that causes liver inflammation. While less commonly transmitted sexually than HBV, the risk increases with certain sexual practices or in the presence of HIV. Modern treatments offer a cure for most people with HCV.
How the Test is Done: A blood test is used to screen for HCV antibodies, with a follow-up test to confirm active infection if needed. Find out more about our Hepatitis C testing protocol.
Who Should Get Tested: The CDC recommends testing for all adults at least once in their lifetime and more frequently for those with ongoing risk factors.
8. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test
Why It’s Essential: HPV is the most common STI in the world. High-risk types can cause cancer, most notably cervical cancer in women, but also cancers of the anus, throat, and penis.
How the Test is Done:
- For Women: HPV testing is a core part of cervical cancer screening, often done with a Pap smear.
- For Men: There is currently no widely recommended routine screening test for HPV in men.
- Prevention: The most effective tool against HPV is vaccination. We provide comprehensive services for both HPV testing and vaccination.
Who Should Get Tested: Women should follow national guidelines for regular cervical screening. Anyone with visible warts should see a doctor.
9. Trichomoniasis Test
Why It’s Essential: “Trich” is a common parasitic STI that is easily cured with a single dose of antibiotics. In women, it can increase the risk of acquiring HIV if exposed.
How the Test is Done: The recommended method is a sensitive molecular test (NAAT) on a sample of vaginal fluid for women or a urine/urethral swab for men. Our clinic uses these accurate methods for Trichomoniasis testing.
Who Should Get Tested: Women experiencing symptoms. The CDC also recommends testing for all women with HIV annually.
10. Mycoplasma Genitalium (MGen) Test
Why It’s Essential: MGen is an emerging concern in sexual health. It’s a bacterium that can cause urethritis in men and has been linked to cervicitis and PID in women. Crucially, as highlighted in studies in journals like The Lancet, it is developing resistance to some common antibiotics, making accurate diagnosis important.
How the Test is Done: A urine sample or swab is tested using a molecular test (NAAT). We offer specific Mycoplasma testing for a precise diagnosis.
Who Should Get Tested: People with persistent symptoms of urethritis or cervicitis, especially when tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea are negative.
Your Health in Your Hands
This list may seem long, but a comprehensive screening at a dedicated STD clinic can often cover many of these tests with just a simple blood and urine sample. Taking the step to get tested is a sign of strength and self-respect. It’s the only way to truly know your status and take decisive action to protect your health and the health of those you care about.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule a confidential screening, we encourage you to book an appointment with our doctors. We are here to provide clear, non-judgmental advice and help you create a personalised health plan.