Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
At Hugsa, we aim to provide the best, most thorough and most efficient care to all our patients no matter their gender, sexuality, race, religion or cultural background, as well as their HIV status. We are a proud ally to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and sex work communities. Our non-judgemental, non-stigmatising approach to our patients means you can feel safe and comfortable in asking us any questions you might have about any health issue.
What are STI’s and HIV?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mostly bacterial or viral infections spread from person to person through sexual contact. They include genital warts (the Human Papiloma Virus – HPV), Hepatitis B, Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV (the Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which if untreated can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Bacterial STIs such as Chlamydia, Syphilis and Gonorrhea are generally treatable with antibiotics. However, left untreated, these STIs can cause serious health conditions such as organ damage and infertility. Viral STIs such as HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis B are presently incurable, though there are increasingly good treatment options available.
Why Should I Get Tested?
STI’s, especially Syphilis, and HIV are on the rise in Thailand. Apart from using condoms and water-based lubricant, getting tested regularly for STI’s / HIV is one of the best ways to halt the spread of these viruses / infections. For some population groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers and injecting drug users, it is a necessary means of ensuring you remain virus / infection free and ensure you do not pass on any infection or virus to your sexual partners.
Also, early detection of the HIV virus increases the chances of maintaining your body’s strong immune system. With contemporary treatment options including anti-retroviral medications which halt the progress of the virus, people living with HIV can stay healthy by keeping the virus in check.
How Do I Get Tested?
Screening for STI’s can be done very easily through a simple blood test, urine test or genital swab (self collected using instructions). Some STI’s, such as HIV, can take a few weeks after exposure to show up and may require re-testing some weeks later. Other STI’s such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be easily treated with antibiotics. Where there is no cure, your Hugsa Doctor will help you to manage and treat the disease. For more information on the treatment of HIV please go to our dedicated HIV Treatment page here.
When Should I Get Tested?
You should see a doctor when symptoms of an STI are first noticed or if a sexual partner is diagnosed with an STI or has symptoms of an STI. Even if you have no symptoms, you can get an STI check at Hugsa through making an appointment at any time. Routine STI screening is recommended after any new sexual contact, or if your partner has had sexual contact with somebody else.
Talking About Sexual Health
At Hugsa, our doctors, nurses and support staff are friendly, discreet and non-judgemental. We understand it can be embarrassing to talk about such private matters, but we are familiar with diagnosing and treating STI’s, so you can feel comfortable talking to us and asking any questions you might have related to your sexual health.
Doctors are legally obliged to keep your personal health information, including your sexual health information private and confidential. If you think you may have an STI, or have recently had unprotected sex, make an appointment now for a non-judgemental consultation and STI / HIV test now.