Rapid Full STI

What is Chlamydia?: Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common bacterial STIs, infecting both men and women. In women, CT can affect the cervix, rectum, or throat, while in men it usually affects the urethra, rectum, or throat. It often presents no symptoms, making regular screening essential. In fact, up to 80% of cases and up to 98% of oral cases do not display symptoms. Despite its silent nature, untreated Chlamydia can lead to serious health issues, including infertility. Symptoms:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding

Causes: Chlamydia is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, new sexual partners, or a history of STIs. Diagnosis and Treatment: The Basic STI Test detects Chlamydia with high sensitivity and specificity, providing your healthcare provider with the necessary information to diagnose and treat the infection effectively. Prompt treatment is key and often involves antibiotics. Regular screening is also helpful.

What is Gonorrhea?: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is another common bacterial STI, infecting the same areas as Chlamydia, including the urethra, rectum, and throat. Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly. This is key as up to 70% of cases are asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial.

Gonorrhea is frequently found in those aged 15-24, but anyone who is sexually active can contract it. In the U.S., 75% of cases occur in people under 30. The CDC recommends at least annual testing especially for sexually active women under 25 or for women aged 25 and older with risk factors like new or multiple sexual partners – making the Advanced STI test an affordable, efficient option for repeat use. As homosexual men are also an at-risk group, they should pursue regular testing. Though less at risk, heterosexual men should also get tested periodically.

Symptoms:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Sore throat (if oral version is present)

Causes: Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is spread through sexual contact. Similar to Chlamydia, risk factors include multiple sexual partners and inconsistent use of protection. Diagnosis and Treatment: The Full STI Test offers precise detection of Gonorrhea, enabling your healthcare provider to make an effective diagnosis and treatment. Meeting the quality of other lab tests, the Full STI Test produces the necessary information for your provider. Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics. Periodic testing is the enabler of early detection and treatment.

What is Mycoplasma genitalium?: Mycoplasma genitalium is a lesser-known bacterium that can cause urogenital infections similar to those caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. In women, it affects the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and urethra, while in men it infects the urethra and epididymis (tube that carries and stores sperm). It is often associated with conditions like urethritis in men and cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women . It can also contribute to infertility in both sexes. Although not as widely recognized, MG can lead to significant health issues if not appropriately diagnosed and treated. In fact, M. genitalium was recently shown to exhibit fast growing antibiotic resistance, making prompt, proper treatment especially vital. Symptoms:

• Urethral discomfort or discharge in men
• Pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal discharge in women
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Irregular bleeding between periods

Causes: It is transmitted through sexual contact, with similar risk factors as other bacterial STIs. Diagnosis and Treatment: The Full STI Test detects Mycoplasma genitalium with the precision of qPCR, helping prevent the complications associated with this infection. A provider may also conduct a physical examination and inquire about your medical history or sexual history while formulating their diagnosis. Treatment often involves antibiotics, though the provider’s treatment choice may vary depending on the resistance profile of the bacterium.

What is Trichomoniasis?: Trichomoniasis is a parasitic STI caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. It can lead to vaginal discomfort, itching, and discharge in women, as it targets the lower genital tract which includes the vulva, vagina, cervix, and urethra. The urethra is commonly infected in men, causing irritation inside the penis, itching, or discharge issues. TV can be easily treated, but it often goes undiagnosed due to a patient’s mild or absent symptoms. Untreated trich can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting other STIs, such as HIV. In pregnant women, trich can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight. Symptoms:

• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
• Discomfort during urination or intercourse
• Pain in lower belly
• Itching
• Irritation inside the penis (in men)
• Testicular pain
• Penile discharge

Causes: Trich is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Diagnosis and Treatment: The Full STI Test provides reliable, qPCR-backed detection of the parasite, enabling timely diagnosis and effective treatment by a provider. Antiprotozoal medications are commonly prescribed to treat the infection.