From The Straits Times    |

 

No. If only life were that simple. There are many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with different diagnostic methods. A blood test will be useful for syphilis and HIV. To check for gonorrhea and chlamydia, you need body tissue samples such as pus or smears from the urethra. If you’ve been a really naughty girl, you may also require swabs from the anus and throat. Herpes can be diagnosed by an experienced doctor from its clinical appearance or by culturing the fluid from the lesion for the herpes virus. HPV, which causes genital warts, can’t be seen till the wart starts to grow. It is also likely to be missed till it’s a significant size. There are other STIs with exotic names such as chancroid, LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum) and granuloma inguinale with their own diagnostic tests.

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