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We use a machine with a specially designed panel of tests for sexually transmitted infections. We use a combination of blood and urine samples to perform the test. We believe this is the best way to test for STIs as other methods have similar accuracy but will take longer to provide results. The sensitivity and specificity of our test can be found in the table below.
STIs | Sensivity | Specificity |
---|---|---|
Chlamydia trachomatis | 83.3% | 100% |
Neisseria gonorrhoea | 100% | 100% |
Trichomonas vaginalis | 100% | 100% |
Mycoplasma genitalium | 86.7% | 99.5% |
Mycoplasma hominis | 93.8% | 100% |
Ureaplasma Urealyticum | 90.9% | 100% |
Syphilis (Treponema palidum) | 90% | 100% |
Haemophilus ducreyi | 100% | 100% |
Herpes I | 100% | 100% |
Herpes II | 100% | 100% |
HIV | 100% | 100% |
Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify patients with a disease - this is the accuracy of a positive result.
Specificity is the ability of a test to correctly identify people without a disease - this is the accuracy of a negative result.
It is important to recognise that a large number of people with STIs will not show any symptoms. This is one of the reasons for getting a test. Symptoms are different for men and women. They can include pain or discomfort when passing urine, discharge from the penis or vagina, pain during sexual intercourse, small blisters, ulcers or skin irritation around the genitalia and anus, and bleeding between periods. For a more detailed description of STI symptoms, see this NHS link.
Regular STI testing is a good idea if you are sexually active. To ensure you do not have an STI, it is recommended that you get tested every six months, before you become intimate with a new partner.
With the Express STI package, you will be tested for ten common STIs. You will receive a complete laboratory report, and if you test positive for an infection, our in-house GP will call you to explain the results. Advice will be given regarding how to treat the infection. You may need to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic for a prescription if this is required. The laboratory report will show if you are positive or negative for the following STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomoniasis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Ureaplasma
- Syphilis
- Haemophilus ducreyi
- Herpes I
- Herpes II
STIs are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. It is possible to transmit Herpes Simplex Virus by kissing – this is the same infection that causes cold sores on the lips. Other STIs such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, HIV and genital herpes can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The symptoms of an STI can include:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- Pain when passing urine
- Lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
- A rash
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Itchy genitals or anus
- Blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
- Warts around your genitals or anus
- Warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare
Please note that you can have an STI without any symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested. Follow the link to NHS website for more information about STIs including symptoms and treatments .
It is important to check regularly because untreated STIs can affect your health and fertility. You should test at your earliest convenience for any of the following reasons:
- You or a sexual partner have symptoms of an STI
- You have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner
- You are pregnant with symptoms of an STI
- It is a good practice and gives you peace of mind.
It is recommended to wait for two weeks after you think you have been exposed to an infection before testing for an STI. Testing too soon might affect your test result, giving you false reassurance, but we understand that some people will want to test early. If you have symptoms, it is best to test as soon as possible. If you decide to have a test early after potential exposure to an STI, we recommend testing again later to make sure you are still safe. The optimal testing times following exposure are shown below:
STIs | When to test |
---|---|
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) | 2 weeks |
Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) | 2 weeks |
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) | 1-2 weeks |
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) | 5 days |
Mycoplasma hominis (MH) | 5 days |
Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) | 2 weeks |
Syphilis (TP) | 4 weeks |
Haemophilus ducreyi (HD) | 4-10 days |
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV1) | 2 weeks |
Herpes Simplex Virus II (HSV2) | 2 weeks |
In the event that you test positive for any of the listed STIs, our team will contact you for further explanation. Most STIs require antibiotics given as tablets and sometimes as an injection to treat the infection. You may need to contact your GP or local sexual health Clinic for a prescription if required.
In the meantime, you should inform your partner(s) as soon as you get a positive result to help prevent the spread of the infection to others. Recent partners should get tested. You might also encourage people living in your household to get tested. You should abstain from sexual activity until you have completed treatment and you are clear of infection.
If you are still experiencing symptoms after you have been treated for an STI, you should consult your doctor. They may advise repeat testing and further treatment if appropriate.
Yes, it is possible that you have two or more STIs at the same time. It is likely to happen a partner was already infected with several infections or if you have had multiple partners since your last sexual screen. Regular testing, even when you are well, is very important.
Yes, at Hometest your results are protected. We take data protection and confidentiality very seriously Information given in confidence should not be shared with anyone without patient’s consent. If you have not given us consent, the results will not be disclosed to your GP.
Information we obtain from you, such as your name, date of birth, or home address, is stored securely.