Sexually transmitted diseases can be acquired via any type of sexual contact – vaginal, anal or oral and can be transferred after just one physical contact. Nevertheless, the chances of becoming infected and the manner of becoming infected differ for each disease. The probability of becoming infected with certain diseases as a result of oral sex or a one-time encounter is relatively low. Most sexually transmitted diseases do not have any symptoms in the initial stage of infection (mainly women), however, if you see one or more of the following symptoms, there is a concern that you may have gotten infected with a sexually transmitted disease:
- Abnormal vaginal or penile secretions.
- Itchiness, irritation, lesions (even if not painful) in the genital regions or the rectum.
- A burning sensation when urinating in a young, healthy male.
The appearance of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have a sexually transmitted disease, however it does require having a medical examination to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. On the other hand, being infected with a sexually transmitted disease is not always accompanied by these symptoms, and therefore any sexually active person who does not have a steady partner should get checked routinely and periodically. It is recommended to do so once a year, even in the absence of any suspicious symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, in order to detect an infection at the earliest stage to the extent that it is possible. It is recommended that an individual at high risk of getting infected get examined more frequently.
The term “window period” refers to the correct time frame for getting tested after a sexual contact that may have caused an infection. It is the amount of time that one must wait between the “suspicious” sexual contact and the test in order for the test results to be accurate. Each sexually transmitted disease has a different window period. Below are the right times to get tested for different diseases:
HIV/AIDS – 3 weeks from exposure
Gonorrhea – two weeks from sexual contact
Chlamydia – a month and a half from sexual contact
Syphilis – three months from sexual contact
Hepatitis B & C – six months from sexual contact
Hepatitis A – between two and six weeks from sexual contact
Herpes – two weeks from sexual contact
* Concerned that you may have gotten infected with HIV? You can get prophylactic treatment, known as PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), up to 72 hours after the exposure to the disease.
For any additional questions concerning sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, you can call the clinic’s hotline number: 03-791-9704.
For clinic and hotline recepyion hours go here.
You can also write us in the forum. The clinic staff will be happy to assist.
