What are the symptoms that point out – you definitely need to do an STD test
In general, there are diseases that cause ulcers in the genitals (syphilis, genital herpes), inflammatory diseases (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, etc.) and diseases that are sexually transmitted but cause general illness (HIV infection) or visceral diseases (hepatitis B). People often carry and spread pathogens without even knowing it. It does not matter if the reason is having casual intercourse or symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmitted disease, we recommend getting tested for reassurance and your own peace of mind.
Symptoms in which you should certainly get yourself tested:
- In men, for example, blisters or ulcers in the genital area, painful urination, rectal discharge, etc. You can find the STD package designed for men here: STD testing for men.
- In women, for example, discharge from the vagina, it has changed characteristics or accompanying bad odour, abnormal bleeding during intercourse. You can find the STD package designed for women here: STD testing for women.
For peace of mind, we also recommend testing if:
- You have recently had more than one sexual partner.
- Your partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.
- You have had unprotected sex with a new or casual sexual partner.
- You are starting a new sexual relationship.
It is important to know about the latent period of sexually transmitted diseases
To test for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, it is recommended to give a blood test one month after the possible contact with the infection. Blood tests given before this may not guarantee correct results. A urine test is recommended starting from 4 days after the possible contact with the infection. When you develop symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
The Sexually Transmitted Diseases Package includes:
- Urine analysis:
- chlamydia (C. trachomatis and C. trachomatis LGV),
- Trichomoniasis,
- gonorrhoea (tripper),
- mycoplasmosis (M.genitalium).
- Blood test:
- Syphilis,
- HIV,
- hepatitis B.
- If necessary, a remote consultation with a general practitioner (included in the price).
Test results will arrive within five working days from the date of the collecting the samples.The nurse will inform about the results by phone. If necessary, refers the patient to a general practitioner’s remote appointment (included in the price) for a consultation or prescription.
It is also possible to perform the STD test separately, without a doctor's consultation. You can see the results of the venous blood tests or urine DNA test at terviseportaal.ee or, if you wish, we will send them with an encrypted e-mail. To obtain a prescription or for a consultation, it is necessary to book a separate appointment with a general practitioner (for an additional fee).
All STD tests can also be performed separately, as individual tests. To do this, send a request or call 1330.
P.S. STD testing is FREE OF CHARGE for young people up to and including 26 years of age at the youth office. Read more or book an appointment.
Urine sampling
It is possible to collect the urine sample during the visit (we will provide a urine cup on site). Pre-collected urine stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 °C for up to 12 hours is suitable for urine sampling. Only a urine sample in a special disposable cup will be accepted for testing, as other containers are not sterile enough. Disposable cups for urine samples are available in pharmacies.
Important to know before providing a urine sample:
- At least four hours must have passed since the previous urination.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before the procedure.
- It is recommended to massage the penis gently before urinating as this ensures that material necessary for the test will be passed on to the urine.
- Only the first 10-20 mL of urine is required for the sample. The first drops of urine are the most important.