STI testing

Since 2010, the incidence of certain STD and STI (sexually transmitted diseases and infections) has increased exponentially. The resurgence of venereal diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia is a public health phenomenon that should not be ignored. STD and STI testing is available at Alegria Medical Centre. Please find more details at the end of this article.

What are STDs?

eSTD and STI , are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic germs transmission during sexual intercourse of any kind between two partners. Some STIs can also be transmitted through blood and breast milk.

There are more than 30 pathogens that can cause an STI. These can be anything from;
– a bacterium like syphilis in humans, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
– a virus such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV)
– a parasite like Trichomonas vaginalis, whose presence on the genitourinary mucosa determines urogenital trichomoniasis.

The most frequent STI from bacterial origin

They are curable if diagnosed in time.

1. Syphilis is an extremely contagious STI that has been on the rise since the 1990s, particularly in developed countries. This infection is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It manifests itself as a chancre, can develop and lead to other complications if not treated in time (neurological, cardiovascular, and ocular damage in particular).
2. Gonorrhea, also known as gonorrhea or ‘clap’, is an infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. All types of sexual intercourse, including oral sex can contaminate. They are thought to be the cause of half of all cases of gonorrhea in France.
3. Chlamydia is caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STIs in Western countries. The majority of infected people have no symptoms.  They are often unaware that they have this STI, which is why it is considered a “silent disease”.
4. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a very common vaginal infection. That manifests itself in some women as increased vaginal secretions, sometimes smelly and yellowish or greenish. However, most men and women affected have no symptoms.

Silent diseases can sometimes lead to irreversible consequences (chlamydia can affect fertility). This is why regular testing are required, especially when risky sex has taken place.

The most frequent STI’s from viral origine

They are difficult or impossible to cure depending on the virus.

1. Infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), like syphilis, is also making a comeback in Western countries. It should be noted that these resurgences are directly linked to the increase in repeated unprotected, and therefore risky, sexual intercourse in recent decades. The hepatitis B virus can cause life-threatening liver infections, chronic infections, and a significant risk of death from cirrhosis or liver cancer for those exposed. It is now a major public health problem.
2. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, predominantly type 2 (HSV-2), which manifests itself as vesicular lesions on the genitals. Genital herpes is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted viral disease. After the first infection, the virus settles in the body and “sleep”, only to appear in outbreaks.
3. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is probably the best known STI. This infection causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a weakened state of the immune system that makes it vulnerable to multiple opportunistic infections. HIV is a retrovirus (an RNA virus) of the lentivirus family, which causes slowly progressing diseases.
4. Finally, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are very common viruses – there are over 150 types. They infect the skin and mucous membranes and can cause benign or malignant lesions. These viruses usually cause the development of condylomata, external genital lesions and can play an important role in the development of cervical cancer.

STD and STI: How to prevent them?

The development of an STD can be prevented by limiting the risk of infection either through adequate protection during sexual activity (e.g. by using a male or female condom) or through vaccination against certain infectious agents, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Everyone can be affected by STIs, so every sexual partners have to protect themselves from infection.
In case of doubt, especially after risky sex, it is recommended to get tested for STIs.

Early detection allows rapid medical treatment and limits the risk of contagion. Do not hesitate to discuss this with our practitioners at Alegria Medical Center.

Quick, efficient, and confidential STI testing at Alegria Medical Centre

Here is how it works :

1.Consultation and sample Collection:

STI screening for Men:

Use the first urine of the morning
Avoid any prior intimate hygiene beforehand

1. Book an appointment at Alegria Medical centre here 

2. Then choose from 2 convenient options.

• Pick up a sample cup in advance. On the consultation day, collect your first urine sample at home using this provided cup and bring it to us
• or visit Alegria after waking up for on-site collection and consultation. In that case it is recommended to book the firsts slots in the morning)

Sti screening for Women:

1.Book an appointement at Alegria Medical here.

2.A qualified doctor will perform a vaginal swab during the consultation.

2. Lab Analysis:

Your collected sample will be sent to our laboratory for analysis. You can expect to receive the results via email within 8 working days. Chlamydia, Chancroid, Oral herpes, Genital herpes, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasmas

3. Test Results Discussion :

If your results are negative, you will be informed by email.
If it is positive, your doctor will call you to review your results and send you the prescription by email.

PACKAGE PRICE : 140€

Take care of your sexual health and your partner’s.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional for any questions relating to your health condition.