Screening services

Chlamydia infections are very common. In women, this infection is often asymptomatic and, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, complications during pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. In men, screening is aimed at the risk of infection or reinfection of existing and new partners. The test is performed by swab or urine sample.

Gonorrhoea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a common disease among sexually active people.

Most genital gonococcal infections in women are asymptomatic. When symptomatic, cervical gonococcal infection may present as vaginal pruritus and mucopurulent discharge. Some women may also experience urinary symptoms or pain. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a complication of untreated urogenital gonococcal infection and can lead to infertility.

Gonococcal infections are more likely to be symptomatic in men than in women, however, many infections in men are asymptomatic. If symptomatic, gonococcal urethritis may manifest as urinary symptoms and copious purulent discharge, although more subtle findings are not uncommon. Acute unilateral epididymitis with testicular pain and swelling may be a complication of genital gonococcal infection.

Extragenital sites of infection include the rectum and pharynx and are often asymptomatic, although they may rarely present as proctitis, with anorectal pain with defecation and discharge, or pharyngitis, with sore throat and pharyngeal exudate.

Bacterial spread of N. gonorrhoeae from the initial site of infection rarely occurs and, if present, may manifest as joint pain and dermatitis.

The test is carried out using a swab or urine sample.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum, and although not as common as chlamydia or gonorrhea, the prevalence can be high among certain risk groups. Patients can by asymptomatic or present with symptoms or signs of primary infection (eg, chancre), secondary infection (eg, diffuse rash), or tertiary infection (eg, symptoms of aortic insufficiency). The test requires the collection of a blood sample.

Untreated infection with HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to serious health complications. These infections can be transmitted through sexual contact as well as other modes of transmission. Testing is done by taking a blood sample.

Human papillomavirus is a viral infection whose different strains cause cervical cancer and are associated with oropharyngeal and anal cancer. There is no screening test for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccination can prevent HPV infection and its sequelae. Vaccination status does not affect screening recommendations. Screening for women is done by PAP test or liquid-based cytology.

Genital HSV is common and can be asymptomatic, with the majority of infections being transmitted by people unaware of their infection or during the asymptomatic periods between outbreaks. Routine screening for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is not recommended. However, type-specific serological testing for HSV may be useful on an individual basis to advise couples on their risk of HSV transmission, particularly during pregnancy. The test is done from a sample taken from a lesion.