Screening. A term that can be a little frightening. Surrounded by mystery, taboo and shame for some. For us at MyHealth? One more subject to demystify and normalise! Sexual health isn’t always easy to talk about. You’re not going to ask Auntie Brigitte at Christmas if she knows your nearest STI screening centre. So we’ve put together this little article to help you find your way through life’s stressful moments.
Why should I get tested?
Screening for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is important. You know it is, but you’d rather do without.
But screening is really important.
Did you know that many STIs are silent? They have no symptoms and can develop over a period of years. Depending on the case, they can then have serious consequences. Screening allows these diseases to be detected early. If they are treated quickly, most can be cured without any consequences. By having an annual check-up, you’re taking care of yourself and your health.
Screening also gives you the green light to have unprotected sex with your partner. Important: for this statement to be valid, you must both be tested and healthy.
Finally, STI screening not only protects you, but also all your partners. If you test positive, you can contact them so that they can go and get tested too. This is a crucial step, because as with you, the disease can progress silently.
When should I go for screening?
We recommend that you get tested based on the following criteria:
- You want to stop using protection with your partner
- You have had unprotected sex (this also applies to cunnilingus, fellatio and anilingus).
- Symptoms or minor discomforts appear in your intimate environment or during sexual intercourse.
- If you are a man and have homosexual relations, we recommend that you get tested regularly (every 3 months).
- Annual screening is recommended, even if you are in a stable situation.
Do you have any doubts? Or are you reluctant to get tested? Don’t wait! There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you know what they say: prevention is better than cure.
What are the symptoms of the main STIs?
- Your periods have become irregular
- You feel pain when you urinate
- Sexual intercourse is painful
- You have a foul-smelling discharge from your genitals
- Irritations or pimples have appeared on your sex, your anus or your mouth
If you recognise one or more of these symptoms, you should go and have yourself tested. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication if the results are positive.
How does STI screening work?
1. Diseases tested
- Chlamydia infection
- Gonorrhoea (also known as gonorrhoea or gonorrhea)
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Papillomavirus
2. Blood test
A blood sample is taken to test for hepatitis B and HIV. In the case of HIV, the virus will only be visible 3 months after the high-risk intercourse.
3. Direct debit
Samples are taken for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
For women, cells are taken from the entrance to the vagina.
For men, samples are taken from the tip of the penis or from the entrance to the urethra (urine analyses are also possible).
For herpes, the doctor takes a sample of the cells from the lesions and sends it to the laboratory for culture and confirmation.
4. Smear test
Papillomavirus can be detected in women by means of a smear test.
In men, it’s more complicated. If in doubt, you will be referred to a urologist or dermatologist. The specialist can then examine the penis, the anus and even the mouth to detect any lesions.
5. Self-test
Self-tests are available to detect HIV. They are available from chemists. If the result is positive, it must be confirmed by taking blood samples.
When can I go for screening?
If you have had risky sex, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. STIs have different incubation times. It’s therefore possible that you’ll have another preventive appointment in a few days’ time to check that all is well.
If you think you’ve been exposed to the HIV virus, go straight to your doctor or to A&E within 48 hours. If the risk is confirmed, you may be prescribed an emergency preventive treatment to combat contamination by the virus.
✅ Things to remember
- I get tested if I have the slightest doubt
- Before any unprotected relationship, I get tested and so does my partner
- In the event of risky contact with HIV, I go immediately to the emergency room
- Getting tested means taking care of myself and others
Useful Links
- Infos about STI’s: lovelife.ch
- Anonymous advice and screening centres: love-life.ch
- Checkpoints (screening and other services): mycheckpoint.ch
