How are STIs transmitted?
What are STDs?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
(STD: Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
are the diseases or infections
transmitted between humans
through sexual contact.
On an annual basis,
it is estimated that
cases of sexually transmitted
infections occur worldwide in men
and women aged 15 to 49.
A person can be infected and potentially infect other persons, without presenting any symptoms.
Some STI’s may be transmitted through the use of infected needles as well as during labor and lactation.
Sexually Transmitted Infections include those caused by fungal and protozoic agents (mainly syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas).
More than 30 microorganisms today are identified as sexually transmitted.
They are classified across all categories of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, parasites and protozoa) and each one of them, in addition to the specific infection, may also be implicated in a multitude of multifactorial syndromes.
How can I reduce the risk
to contract STI;
- Knowledge: The first step for your protection from STI is knowledge. Learn how to be protected, how they are transmitted and what therapeutic options are there in case you get infected.
- Condom: The correct use at each sexual intercourse contributes in avoiding infections.
- Regular testing: Many STI’s do not present any symptoms. The only way to know if you have a STI is regular testing.
- Alcohol and drugs: People under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not always achieve safe intercourse, which results in increasing the probability of infection.
- Monogamy: A stable relationship contributes in limiting the probability of being infected with an STI.
About the STD-DNA test
The Femiself STD-DNA test detects DNA pathogens implicated in STI’s, through the PCR methodology.
The disposable STD-Finder 2 SMART, utilized by the collaborating laboratories, through the Melting Curve Analysis test in Real Time PCR apparatus, allows the detection of the most important pathogens implicated with STI’s in cervical smears with only one testing.
Chlamydia trachomatis (dual target)
Chlamydia trachomatis στέλεχος LGV
Neisseria gonorrhoeae with penA gene mosaic (resistant to cephalosporin, characterised as a superbug)
Herpes simplex virus type 1
Herpes simplex virus type 2
Frequently asked questions about FEMISELF STD-DNA test
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or venereal diseases are those diseases or infections transmitted from one person to the other through sexual activity. While in the past these diseases where called sexually transmitted diseases or venereal diseases, lately the preferred term is sexually transmitted infections as it comprises a broader range of notions: a person may be infected and can potentially infect others, without being sick.
Some STD may be transmitted also through the use of needles after being used by an infected person, as well as during labor or lactation.
A very important characteristic of sexually transmitted diseases is the fact that they present similar symptoms, which makes them hard to diagnose. These symptoms include unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, rash or lesions at the area of genitals, pain or burning sensation during sexual intercourse or urination. Equally important is the fact that a single individual there may contract 2-3 sexually transmitted diseases simultaneously. The most important characteristic of these diseases is that often the symptoms might be minor or even inexistent. This means that someone might be infected without knowing it, putting thus in risk, not only themselves but also their sexual partners.
This also means that an individual cannot discern if the other person has a sexually transmitted disease simply by appearance. In the case that a person suspects that they might be infected by a sexually transmitted disease, medical advice must be sought to take the required tests. Usually the test includes the collection of a sample which is analyzed and is used as an aid to diagnose a possible infection and subsequently to be treated appropriately.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse and skin contact.
For women, a cervical specimen is needed
The brush is elastic and adapts to its environment. This makes the product suitable for a broad range of women.
The sampling process is rapid and painless.
It does not create discomfort during sampling. It offers safety, effectiveness and renders the collection of cellular material from the vagina reliable.
The sample is transferred dry and is received for further analysis by the collaborating diagnostic laboratories.
Femiself STD-DNA TEST detects 7 bacteria, 2 viruses and 1 parasite.
Very simply! The only thing you have to do is to book an appointment with your gynecologist. The test is done in the privacy of their office by taking a cervical sample. The sampling procedure is rapid and painless. The special Femiself brush offers safety, efficacy and renders the collection of cervical cellular material reliable.
Preventive control is very important since someone may be infected by a STD without knowing it, because of the lack of symptoms. In many cases, infected individuals do not present any sign or symptom. It is for this reason that many experts utilize the term of sexually transmitted infections (STI) from the moment that there is an infection but without the symptoms indicating that the individual is sick.
The answer depends on the individual’s age, sexual behavior and other risk factors. If there are concerns it is important to be discussed with the physician and specify the tests to be ordered.
There are also the official guidelines for the control of specific STI.
Preventive control for chlamydia and gonorrhea should be annual for all sexually active women of all ages.
The Femiself service collaborates with a chain of contemporary and certified diagnostic centers. The sample is analyzed with state of the art methods.
The results are available within 8 days following the date of the examination. You may choose the method in which you may receive your results by ticking the relevant box next to your preferred method in the requisition form. The results can be sent to you via e-mail either by your physician or directly from the Femiself service. Alternatively, you can be informed over the phone. For any other alternative way you may contact the Femiself service by phone at +30 2106125554 or by sending an e-mail at email@example.com. A colleague will always be available at your service.
You may find additional information on the test at www.femiself.gr or you may ask your physician or contact our service at our e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org and by calling us at +30 2106125554.
Analysis of the sample is performed in the collaborating diagnostic center with the use of STD-Finder 2 SMART of PathoFinder™ bearing the sign CE IVD