Understanding the HIV Window Period: When Is the Right Time to Get Tested?

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Understanding the HIV Window Period: Why Timing Matters

One of the most common questions people ask after a potential HIV exposure is:

“When should I get tested?”

The answer depends largely on something known as the HIV window period.

Testing too early may not provide an accurate result, while waiting too long can create unnecessary anxiety. Understanding how different HIV tests work can help you make informed decisions about your health.

What Is the HIV Window Period?

The HIV window period refers to the time between a possible HIV exposure and when a test can reliably detect the infection.

During this period, the virus may already be present in the body, but the immune response or viral markers may not yet be detectable by certain tests.

A negative result obtained during the window period may therefore need to be confirmed with repeat testing at the appropriate time.

Why Different HIV Tests Have Different Window Periods

Not all HIV tests detect the same thing.

Some tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system.

Others detect the HIV p24 antigen, which usually appears earlier.

More specialised laboratory tests can detect the virus itself using molecular techniques.

Because each test targets different markers, the recommended timing after exposure varies.

Factors That Can Influence Testing Timing

Several factors may affect when testing is most appropriate, including:

  • The type of potential exposure
  • Whether protection was used
  • Whether HIV PEP was started
  • The type of HIV test performed
  • Individual immune responses

A healthcare professional can help determine which test is suitable based on your circumstances.

Why Testing Too Early May Cause Confusion

Many people seek testing immediately after a high-risk event for reassurance.

While understandable, testing extremely early may not provide a definitive answer because detectable markers may not yet have developed.

In some situations, repeat testing may be recommended even if the initial result is negative.

Understanding this can help reduce unnecessary worry while ensuring appropriate follow-up.

What If You Recently Had a High-Risk Exposure?

If your exposure occurred within the past 72 hours, medical assessment should not be delayed.

A doctor can evaluate whether HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) may be appropriate, as this treatment is most effective when started as early as possible after exposure.

Waiting for symptoms before seeking medical advice is generally not recommended, as early HIV infection may produce no symptoms at all.

HIV Symptoms Are Not a Reliable Indicator

Some people develop flu-like symptoms shortly after infection, while others remain completely well.

Possible early symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Swollen lymph nodes

However, many other common viral illnesses can produce similar symptoms.

Likewise, many people with HIV experience no symptoms during the early stages.

This is why HIV testing remains the only reliable way to determine HIV status.

Looking Beyond HIV

Depending on the type of exposure, healthcare providers may also recommend screening for other sexually transmitted infections such as:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

Different infections have different incubation periods and testing recommendations, so a personalised assessment may be helpful.

Takeaway

Understanding the HIV window period helps ensure that testing is performed at the most appropriate time for accurate results.

If you are unsure which test is suitable or when you should be tested, speaking with an experienced healthcare professional can provide clarity based on your individual circumstances.

If you are looking for an HIV Test Singapore service, our detailed guide explains the available testing options, anonymous testing, rapid tests, and what to expect during your visit.

Everything You Need to Know About Express STD Testing at Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic

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Everything You Need to Know About Express STD Testing at Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic

 

Sexual health is a critical component of overall well-being, but getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can often be a source of anxiety, especially due to the waiting period for results. 

At Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic, this is where Express STD Testing comes in, revolutionising the screening process with speed, discretion, and efficiency.

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What is Express STD Testing?

Express STD testing, also known as rapid or expedited testing, is a streamlined approach to sexual health screening. It is designed for individuals who are asymptomatic (meaning they are not experiencing any symptoms) and primarily need routine or follow-up testing or symptomatic (meaning they are experiencing acute symptoms like burning pain during urination, discharge, itch or discomfort) and require urgent or immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

The key features that set express testing apart are:

  • Fast Results: Utilizing rapid test kits and advanced point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostic PCR tests, results for STDs like HIV and Syphilis can be available in as little as 20 minutes. Other tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium use rapid PCR technology for results in as little as 30 minutes, significantly cutting down the wait time compared to traditional lab-based testing which can take several days.
  • Minimal Consultation: The process often involves a quick assessment or a brief interaction with our doctor for specimen collection, reducing the total time spent at the clinic. It typically does not include a full physical examination.
  • Discreet Sample Collection: Depending on the STD, samples may include a fingerprick blood test, urine sample, or swabs (oral, rectal, or genital), which are often self-collected in a private setting within the clinic.

Why Choose Express STD Testing?

The benefits of choosing a rapid or express testing service go beyond mere convenience:

 

1. Immediate Peace of Mind 

The most significant advantage is the elimination of the anxious wait for results. Receiving immediate feedback for many infections allows you to move forward quickly, whether you’re confirmed negative or need to start treatment.

 

2. Timely Treatment 

For positive results, quick turnaround testing in as little as 30 minutes means you can begin treatment almost immediately. Early intervention is crucial for STDs, as it prevents potential long-term complications (like infertility) and, most importantly, reduces the risk of further transmission to sexual partners.

 

3. Increased Access and Convenience 

By streamlining the process, more patients can be seen, increasing overall access to testing services for the community. The reduced time commitment also encourages people to get tested more regularly.

 

4. Privacy and Discretion 

The process is often highly private, with minimal interaction required, making it ideal for those who value maximum discretion and prefer a simple, fuss-free experience.

When Should You Get Tested?

Regular testing is the foundation of good sexual health, especially since many STDs are asymptomatic.

 

General Recommendations:

  • Annual Screening: If you are sexually active, an annual STD screening is generally recommended.
  • High-Risk Groups: Individuals with multiple or new sexual partners, or those who engage in unprotected sex, should consider testing more frequently, perhaps every 3 to 6 months.

 

After Potential Exposure:

If you’ve had a specific high-risk exposure, the timing of your test is crucial due to the “window period”—the time it takes for an infection to be detectable by a test. Testing too early can lead to a false negative result.

STD Recommended Testing Window After Exposure
HIV (4th Generation Test) As early as 14 days
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea 1 to 6 days (tests for the bacteria itself)
Syphilis 3 to 6 weeks

Our doctor can advise you on the most appropriate time and specific tests based on your exposure risk.

How Does Express Testing Work?

The process is typically straightforward and designed for maximum efficiency:

 

1. Walk-in or Appointment

You may visit our clinic either by appointment or as a walk-in, anytime during our operating hours. 

Our clinic operating hours are Monday to Friday 8:30AM – 3:30PM. You may call us at 64433101 or email info@tanjongpagarclinic.com for enquiry or appointment. 

For more information, you may visit our website at https://www.tanjongpagarclinic.com/ or https://www.tanjongpagarclinic.com/std-express. 

 

2. Registration

You may register at our clinic either as a named patient or as an anonymous patient. 

Depending on your risk factors and the type of sex you engage in (vaginal, oral, anal), you may choose to do self-testing or consult our doctor to decide on the appropriate tests you need (e.g., blood, urine, or specific swabs).

 

3. Sample Collection

We will guide you on collecting the necessary samples:

  • Blood: A quick fingerprick for rapid tests (HIV, Syphilis).
  • Urine: Used for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening. You may be asked to hold your urine for a couple of hours beforehand.
  • Swabs: You may perform a self-collected oral, vaginal, or rectal swab for infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, or the clinician may take one from any visible sores.

 

4. Results Notification

Results for HIV and Syphilis can be ready in as little as 20 minutes. 

Results for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Mycoplasma Genitalium can be ready in as little as 30 minutes. 

Results for other tests requiring lab analysis will take 3 – 5 working days. 

You will be notified via email or phone. 

If a test returns a positive result, we will promptly contact you to explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and provide necessary counselling and follow-up care.

Don’t let worry or the fear of a long wait keep you from prioritising your health. Express STD testing provides a modern, fast, and discreet way to stay informed and protected. Taking control of your sexual health is an empowering step! 


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Who should get HIV testing

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With the increase in awareness about HIV and how it has been damaging the health most of the people are concerned about the disease. However, HIV testing is not considered a good thing in the society due to which people often ignore it. There are many individuals that are planning to get tested but they are not visiting the hospital because of their personal reasons. Everyone does not need to have HIV testing. Here are some of the common reason when you should get tested.

Doing sex for money or drugs

N this age of technology most of the people are indulged in online dating. When the things get too serious they want to meet in person. There are also some dating sites that are only developed for sex. There are many individuals that go on those sites to buy individuals to have sex with. If you are one of those who is doing sex for money or drugs HIV testing is very important for you. As you are doing it for money so you will not get a chance to say no to the person and you will not know whether he is HIV positive or not. The only way to protect yourself is through HIV testing.

Not knowing the status of your partner

It has been noticed that most of the people never ask their partners about their HIV status.

  • Partners will behave like they have been insulted when such questions are asked
  • You should make it clear before dating that HIV testing is important
  • If you ate done with sex and this question came to your mind it is better that you get the tests done
  • It is important if you have been sexually assaulted against your will. Your harasser might be HIV positive.

You have other STDs or hepatitis

There are many individuals that are suffering from STD and hepatitis B. You should know that these diseases are also considered the symptoms of HIV. The immune system is weak and a wrong step will lead to the development of the disease that you would never know about. So make sure that you get yourself tested. It has been noticed that most of the people have more than two types of STDs and they never noticed. When diagnosed it was found that the cause of STD was not their partner but having sex with someone who was HIV positive.

Bottom line

In case that you are confused that you might have been exposed to HIV, it is important that you get HIV PEP with the HIV testing. The benefit of this combination is that you will get the diagnosis whether you have the antibodies in your system or not. As well as it will give you the chance to stop the virus before it can take control over your body. It will help you to protect yourself from the entire HIV treatment that can be expensive and might lead to your death.

What is the importance of STD Testing

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Over the past few years, the number of individuals suffering from the STDs is rapidly increasing the common cause of this issue is having more than one sexual partner, not using protection during sex and getting a blood transfusion from the diseased individuals. It has been noticed that most of the people do not even know whether they have STDs or not but they have noticed some of the symptoms in their body. It is important that you get the STD Testing because it will provide you the following benefits.

Protect you from dangers of not testing

There are many issues that are related to not participating in the STD Testing, for most of the diseases the possible treatments are available. The only issue is that the disease is diagnosed in the early stages. In case that the diagnosis was done at the last stage the chance of positive effects of the treatment will be decreased. There are some individuals that are scared of getting themselves tested. This is the reason that they are often stressed because they do not know whether they are suffering from the issue or not. Getting the STD Testing will provide you the peace of mind that you are safe.

Improve quality of life

The biggest benefit of STD Testing is that it will help you to improve your quality of life. When you will visit the doctor’s office for testing he will provide you certain advice once your test reports are clear

  • He will teach you all the technique that you can use to protect yourself from deadly diseases
  • With the help of STD Testing, you will learn about the different disease that can get transmitted through this route.
  • It will provide you the knowledge that you need to improve your quality of life.

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Save your children

One of the most important benefits that you should consider regarding STD Testing is the protection of your children. When you are suffering from the STD, there are chances that the disease will be transmitted to the baby. In case that baby is born through the vaginal route, there are chances that the disease might affect his eyes and other parts of the body. When you will get the treatment on time it will allow you to protect your little ones. It is your responsibility to improve the quality of life of your children.

Bottom line

It is important that we start with educating the public. It is a common problem in the developed countries. Even after the proper sex education, people are not ready to stop having sex because it gives them the required pleasure. However, they should understand that there is no use of risking their lives for the pleasure of 5 to 20 minutes. It is important that every individual should learn to your production so that you can have your desires fulfilled and at the same time you will not have to worry about STD or STD Testing.

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What is HIV PEP and how it works

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Just like cancer, scientists are actively working to find the treatment of HIV. Even after primary prevention techniques, the spread of the disease has not been controlled properly that is not a good sign. With years of research and testing, scientists have been able to develop HIV PEP. It is also a type of primary prevention medication. Here we have everything you need to know about the mediation.

HIV PEP

PEP is the abbreviation for post-exposure prophylaxis. Prophylaxis means the prevention against the disease or infection. In the HIV PEP, the patient is given certain antiretroviral medications also known as ARV right after the possible exposure to HIV. It helps to prevent a person from becoming infected with HIV.

There are two types of HIV PEP

  • HIV oPEP called the occupational post-exposure prophylaxis
  • HIV nPEP known as the non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis.

HIV oPEP is the treatment used for the healthcare workers. They are often exposed to HIV because of needle injury or other issues. It is the simplest form of exposure that happens these days.

In case of HIV nPEP, it is the HIV that the person takes because of the reason outside of work. It commonly happens in the people that are not related to the healthcare profession. The common reason is the utilization of non-sterilized injections and instruments and sex.

How does HIV PEP works

It is important for the individuals to understand that how HIV PEP works. There are certain drugs in the treatment and your health care professional will prepare a proper treatment plan for you.

  • The patient has to take 3 or more ARV medicines
  • The duration of HIV PEP is almost 28 days
  • You will have to visit your health care provider a few times during and after the PEP
  • It is important that you complete your HIV testing after the PEP to find out the results

HIV PEP will stop the replication of the virus in your body before it can start affecting your immune system. Make sure that you get HIV PEP as soon as you think that you have the chances of development of the disease.

What to do if the virus has been established

The HIV virus takes a few days to establish in the human body and the HIV PEP has to be given before the virus has taken control over the DNA replication system of the body. In case you think that it has been a few days since you were exposed to HIV it is important that you visit the emergency of the HIV department of the hospital. The professional will conduct your tests to find out whether you suffering from the disease or not.

In case you are HIV positive, they will immediately start the treatment to assure that the virus is controlled and removed from your body before it can cause any severe damage. Remember that early diagnosis is the key because it can increase the chances of positive outcomes.

 

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What are the benefits of having HIV PEP

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HIV PEP is an innovational treatment that is raising many questions. Most of the people want to know that why scientists are paying more attention to HIV PEP as compared to proper treatment for the disease. You should know that primary prevention is very important because it can save you. If you are confused regarding the application of HIV PEP, here we have some of the common benefits that you can get from the treatment method.

Protect you from deadly outcomes of HIV

The biggest benefit of HIV PEP is that it will protect you from the deadly outcomes that come once HIV has established in your body. You should know that when you will control the virus before it has established even a single cell of the immune system will not be affected. In this way, your body will not attack its own cells. There are chances that you were not exposed to HIV but having the HIV PEP before the testing will give you the peace of mind that HIV cannot control your body before you can have the tests done. Remember that HV testing can be done once the development of antibodies starts in the body.

It might be covered by insurance

Most of the deadly diseases like HIV, cancer and many others are not covered by insurance because the treatment is long-term. However, HIV PEP takes the time of 28 days. It is often covered by the health insurance which means that you will not have to pay a penny for the treatment. However, it is important that you ask your insurance provider about the coverage for HIV PEP. It is important or the healthcare service provider because their chance of being exposed to HIV is the highest. They are always working with the people suffering from AIDS.

Saves time and money

One of the biggest benefits of HIV PEP is that it will help you to save your time and money.

  • The complete HIV treatment is very expensive which means that if you will control the issue before it is established you will save a decent amount of money
  • The treatment of HIV is very long-term and you might have to leave your job for the proper treatment. With HIV PEP you will no have to deal with such issues
  • There are no limitations to HIV PEP because you can have it as many times as you want

Bottom line

It is important that you consult a doctor regarding your condition because he will provide you the best guideline. He will show you how you can decrease your exposure to the virus. Being a healthcare professional working in the HIV department you should take extra care and consider having HIV PEP as many times as possible. You never know when and where your body might get exposed to HIV PEP. As soon as you think that you are exposed to HIV make sure that you take the primary prevention before testing because waiting for test results might give virus the chance to properly establish.


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What are the most common types of HIV testing

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HIV testing is very important these days. If you are planning to have a secure future it is important that you get yourself tested. As soon as you think that your body has been exposed to the HIV it is important that you visit your nearest lab and get the tests done. It has been noticed that there are different types of HIV testing available. Here are a few types you should consider.

Rapid test for HIV

It is valuable for routine testing or potentially on the off chance that you would prefer not to sit tight a few days for the outcomes. The Rapid test for HIV recognizes antibodies for HIV in the blood. Commonly folks (around 90%) will grow enough antibodies of HIV to be distinguished three to a month after disease.

  • This Rapid test for HIV gives you an outcome shortly, dispensing with the worry of sitting tight seven days for comes about.
  • This Rapid exam utilizes a blood example taken by jabbing the finger with pin like spear and after that illustration some of your blood into plastic tube.
  • This Rapid test is similarly as exact as the Standard test for HIV.
  • On the off chance that you test negative, at that point you don’t require a further test.
  • On the off chance that you are sure, at that point you will require a anymore blood test utilizing an example that should be sent to a lab.

The Early test for HIV

The test is helpful in the event that you’ve had a current hazard occurrence (vaginal or anal intercourse without a protection of condom with somebody whose status was unique or obscure) or a known presentation to HIV. This HIV Early test decreases the window time frame (the time you need to hold up before getting tried) to just 10 or 12 days. This test will be performed on the blood example taken from the arm, much the same as a Standard test. This Early test for HIV searches for the genuine HIV infection, not antibodies created because of the infection. That implies the test can recognize on the off chance that you are contaminated when your samples are still under the examination time of a neutralizer test.

The Standard test for HIV

This test can be utilized for routine HIV testing or when Rapid test for HIV isn’t accessible. This Standard test for HIV distinguishes antibodies of HIV in the blood. Similarly, to what happens in this Rapid test in most folks (around 90%) will grow enough antibodies for HIV to be recognized three to a month after disease.

The enormous contrast is that it is finished with blood take from vein. This blood will be sent to HIV testing lab and you should sit tight for at least five days and wait for the outcome. In the event that it is negative, at that point you don’t need any further tests. In the event that the outcome is sure, you will require another test to affirm. Select the HIV testing technique you are most comfortable with to get treatment on time.


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Is HIV PEP effective treatment

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A common question that most of the people are asking is whether HIV PEP is effective or not. They want to know about the effectiveness because that is the only way they will decide whether they should get the treatment or not. There are many individuals that think HIV PEP is not very effective because the disease developed in this body. The reason behind this development is that they did not take the preventive measure at the right time. In order to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

Has the HIV established or not

The first and most important thing that you have to consider before taking the HIV PEP is that whether the HIV has been established in your body or not. The HIV takes a few days to establish in the human body and this is the time in which you can have the HIV PEP treatment. If it has been a week since your body was exposed to the virus it would be better that you take the proper HIV treatment and not the HIV PEP. If you got concerned about the HIV right after the needle injury then it is the right time to take the HIV PEP.

When you are getting the treatment

An important thing that most of the people ignore is they do not pay attention to the circumstance regarding when they are getting the treatment.

  • Most of the people have a misconception that HIV PEP is a treatment whereas it is a preventive technique
  • Consider is affordable people ask the healthcare provider to treat them with HIV PEP even when the symptoms of disease have started to appear
  • It is the treatment that is only effective in the first few days of exposure before the HIV has established in your body.

HIV testing is important

One of the most important thing that you have to consider is the HIV testing. It has been noticed that most of the people start taking HIV PEP without testing themselves. In this age of technology that are different testing techniques available that would allow you to test yourself for HIV within minutes. So it would be better if your test your blood serum before you start taking HIV PEP. It will give you the perfect idea that whether your body has been exposed to HIV or not and what are the chances of recovery.

Bottom line

Improve education about the HIV PEP is the reason that most of the people think that it is not effective. They also forbid their loved ones to take this primary prevention. It is the duty of the healthcare professionals to increase awareness about the HIV PEP. They should let the individuals know about the effectiveness of the treatment technique and how it can protect their body. They should let the people know about the right time for HIV PEP and when it is better to visit the HIV testing and treatment center rather than going for HIV PEP.

How HIV Testing can protect your future

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Sex is not the only reason behind the transmission of the HIV. There are other reasons like the blood transfusion, using unsterilized objects or using the same injection for several patients. Over the past few years, such conditions have been controlled. Unfortunately, in some underdeveloped countries, the practice is still the same because of the lack of education. Most of the people have been concerned that whey they should get HIV Testing. You should know that if you are doubtful that nurse used the wrong syringe while you were faint it is important that you get yourself tested because it will protect your future in the following ways.

Diagnosis at early stage

There are different stages of HIV and it would be beneficial if you are diagnosed at the early stage. It is important that as soon as you are suspicious you should visit the doctor. Do not wait for the symptoms to show because the condition can get serious rapidly. The earlier you will get the diagnosis the better it would be for you.

Get the treatment on time

With the advancement in the medical field, the treatment of HIV is available at the early stages.

  • With the help of HIV Testing if you are diagnosed before the symptoms start to appear the doctors can help control the virus at that stage
  • In case you are at the early stage of minor symptoms like the flu and allergies have started to appear you would get the treatment for both HIV and minor symptoms to stop the disease where it is
  • Remember that if the disease has reached the last stages there are return from there will be hard. The reason is that your body will be suffering from so many diseases that doctors would not be able to control all of them when your immunity system is already weak.

Protect your loved ones and your babies

It has been noticed that if the mother or father is suffering from HIV and they have not been diagnosed they can transmit the virus to their children. When the mother will get pregnant the virus will be automatically transmitted in the baby with her blood and after that with her breast milk during feeding. In this situation, the chances of appearance of symptoms of HIV in the baby are higher because their immunity system is weak.

Bottom line

Make sure that you get your yourself and your partner tested before the marriage. It is a practice that should be followed in all parts of the world. People should not feel embarrassed about HIV Testing especially when they were not embarrassed while having sex before marriage without protection. Even the virgins should get tested because there are chances that the disease was transmitted from their parents. It is important that you select a certified laboratory for the process because only then you will get the authentic results. HIV testing is the only way we can protect the spread of disease.

For what diseases you should get STD Testing

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Getting the right STD Test Singapore

There are many individuals that are suffering from STDs but they are at the early stages due to which the symptoms have not started to appear yet. The only issue is that they are not ready to get the STD testing.

It has been noticed that most of the people get drunk on the weekends and they even forget that with whom they slept. In this situation the chances of transfer of STD increases. Even if you are scared of getting the test here we have 3 most dangerous diseases for which you should get tested as soon as possible.

HIV

We all know about the HIV virus that leads to the AIDS. It is the disease in which the virus will attack the DNA system of the body and after replication, the viral DNA will take over the immunity system of the individuals.

  • When the immunity system is damaged the person can get affected with any disease
  • It starts with the minor disorders like flu, fever, allergies and other common diseases
  • When the immune system becomes weaker the chances cancer and other disorder increases
  • AIDS eventually leads to young death because there are not proven a cure for the disease.

Herpes Simplex type 2

It is a type of disease that is caused due to sex but in this disease, the reproductive organ is involved. It is not very dangerous for the males but when it comes to the female the disease can cause problems. It will cause the vaginal rash due to which the skin area will become itchy. It might not seem like a serious problem but when the woman is pregnant she should know that her baby will suffer. During the vaginal delivery when the baby will pass through the infected area there are chances that his nose and eyes will be affected. The infection in the nose might damage the respiratory system. It has been noticed that in severe cases the survival of baby is tough.

Syphilis

It is the disease that is caused by the bacteria that is transmitted through sex. It has been found that individuals suffering from Syphilis show different stages of development. There are 4 stages and the signs and symptoms different at different stages. In case the female is in the first stage and she was not identified. There are chances that she will get pregnant and pass the disease to her fetus. In this situation, the chances of miscarriage will increase or the baby will be born with some severe deformity.

STD Test Singapore: Bottom line

STD testing plays a special role in your protection and the protection of your loved ones. In case that you know you are suffering from a disease, it is important that you avoid sex until you are cured so others will not get affected. If you are planning to have sex with an unknown individual it would be better to use protection because you ever know which disease he might have been carrying.

Tag: STD Test Singapore