KNOWWHAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH

When you go for a check up, what exactly are you getting tested for? Here are what most comprehensive screenings cover:

CHLAMYDIA, GONORRHOEA & SYPHILIS

These diseases are caused by bacteria, and are generally treatable with antibiotics. For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, symptoms can include genital discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. For syphilis, symptoms include ulcers, rash, and warts. All three infections, if left untreated, can cause long-term harm to reproductive systems.

THE HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

Affecting genital and oral areas, this viral infection falls under two categories: HSV-1 primarily causes cold sores that appear around your mouth or on your face, and HSV2 involves sores that appear on/around one’s nether regions. There is no cure for HSV, but it’s a manageable condition with medication.

HEPATITIS B

A virus that causes liver infection. Many who are infected don't show symptoms such as yellowing of skin and in the whites of eyes. There is currently no complete cure for it, but most people with acute hepatitis B make a full recovery. A vaccine also exists.

HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS)

A virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Early stage symptoms include fever and a sore throat. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. It’s important to note that if you take HIV medicine and maintain an undetectable viral load, you may effectively have no risk of transmitting HIV to a HIV-negative partner through sex.

HPV

A viral infection of the reproductive tract. There are about 100 types of HPV that exist, and in most cases (nine out of 10), HPV goes away on its own without health problems. However, when HPV is not treated, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cervical cancer. Vaccination and testing is key.