Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): what are the risks for my health?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include a set of diseases transmitted during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. They are caused by different types of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) and can affect the genitals, throat, rectum, and even other parts of the body. Some of the most common STIs include HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The majority of STIs are fairly easy to treat, but if left untreated or in some cases, they can lead to serious health consequences such as cancer, infertility, complications during pregnancy and being a source of mental and emotional suffering.
STIs (HIV, hepatitis, herpes, syphilis, etc.): how to protect yourself correctly?
Some STIs may be asymptomatic, meaning they may not cause any visible signs of infection. This makes their detection difficult without screening. This is why it is essential to get tested regularly, even if there are no symptoms, to avoid complications and reduce the risk of transmission to other people.
STI testing: what you need to know
Why get tested?
There are several reasons to get tested for STIs. Here are the main ones:
-
Detect asymptomatic infections : Many STIs do not have visible symptoms, but they can still harm your health or be transmitted to other people. For example, untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility, while HIV can progress without symptoms for several years before causing serious damage to the immune system.
-
Prevent long-term complications : Some STIs, like syphilis or herpes, can cause serious complications if left untreated. Untreated infections can cause chronic pain, scarring, fertility problems or, in the case of HIV, progression to AIDS.
-
Reduce transmission to others : Getting tested and treated for STIs helps prevent the transmission of these infections to sexual partners. This is particularly important to protect vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, who can pass infections to their babies.
-
Benefit from early treatment : If an STI is detected, it can often be treated effectively, sometimes with antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the type of infection. The earlier the screening is carried out, the simpler and more effective the treatment.
Who should get tested?
STI screening is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, but certain population groups are particularly concerned:
- Young adults and adolescents : Due to their more frequent sexual activity and their less use of protection, young people are more exposed to STIs.
- People with multiple sexual partners : The risk of transmission increases with the number of partners.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) : This group is at higher risk of contracting certain STIs, including HIV, syphilis or hepatitis C.
- People with symptoms : If you experience symptoms such as pain, itching, abnormal discharge or genital ulcers, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional quickly.
- Pregnant women : Early detection helps protect mother and child against the transmission of certain STIs, such as chlamydia, syphilis or HIV.
What does it consist of?
STI testing is quick and easy. It can be carried out in different places: health centers, hospitals, medical consultations, planning centers, as well as in certain structures dedicated to STIs (Free information, screening and diagnostic centers – CeGIDD).
Screening tests vary depending on the type of STI and exposure to risk. This could be:
- Urine samples : to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example.
- Blood samples : to check for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, or syphilis.
- Clinical examination : The doctor may perform a physical examination and check for visible symptoms, such as lesions or discharge.
- Throat or rectal swabs : Depending on the nature of sexual intercourse, these tests may be necessary to detect localized infections.
Screening can be carried out anonymously and free of charge in certain centers, particularly for young people and populations at risk. In France, testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C is also available free of charge in many health establishments.
STI screening in practice
It is quick, painless, and results are usually available within a few days of the test.
How often to get tested for STIs?
It is recommended to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex (including fellatio or cunnilingus) or with multiple partners. Screening is also recommended after each new sexual partner or in the event of symptoms (burning, pain, abnormal discharge, etc.) or when a partner or ex-partner tells you that they carry an STI.
Additionally, even if you have no symptoms, it is important to get tested regularly when you are at particular risk of infection.
HIV testing
Repeated HIV screening of populations at risk is recommended at a minimum:
- screening per year for MSM and every three months for those at high risk of exposure,
- screening per year among injecting drug users and among people from countries with high prevalence.
Chlamydia screening
Chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women aged 15 to 25, pregnant women as well as women and men with risk factors regardless of their age.
Syphilis testing
Syphilis screening is recommended for exposed populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), people in prostitution and their clients, people living with HIV, migrants from endemic countries and people having multiple sexual partners. Syphilis screening is mandatory for pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce mother-to-child transmission.
Screening for gonococcal infections
Screening for gonococcal infections is targeted at MSM, people living with HIV and/or with a history of STIs, and populations having unprotected sex.
Where to carry out screening
In France, to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there are several options:
Screening centers
THE Free information, screening and diagnosis centers (CeGIDD) offer free and anonymous testing for HIV, hepatitis and other STIs. You will also find advice and support there.
Hospitals and clinics
Public hospitals and some private clinics offer STI screening consultations. You can consult a doctor specializing in sexual health or a dermatologist.
Les pharmacies
Some pharmacies offer rapid screening tests, particularly for HIV. These tests are available without a medical prescription.
General practitioners or gynecologists
You can consult a general practitioner or gynecologist for STI screening. These health professionals can order tests and analyze them in the laboratory.
Sexual health associations
Some associations (such as AIDES, Sidaction, or even sexual health centers) organize screening activities in public places, during awareness days or on their premises.
Focus on “My STI test”
It is now possible to request screening for 4 STIs in addition to HIV without a prescription and without an appointment (gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and syphilis) in the medical biology laboratory (in town or in hospital).
Screening for these 5 STIs is 100% covered by Health Insurance for those under 26. For those over 26: HIV screening is 100% covered by Health Insurance and that of the other 4 STIs is 60% covered by Health Insurance and 40% by the patient’s complementary health insurance. (his mutual insurance).
To benefit from it, simply go to a city or hospital laboratory and ask for screening as part of “My STI test”. A self-questionnaire will be completed to define the STIs to be screened for and the appropriate samples.
What to do in the event of a positive result?
If you get a positive test result, don’t panic. The majority of STIs can be treated effectively. It is important to consult a doctor who can prescribe treatment adapted to the diagnosed infection. Early treatment can cure or control the disease, avoid long-term complications and reduce the risk of transmission.
In the case of HIV, although there is no cure, antiretroviral treatment makes it possible to control the infection and prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS. In addition, a person on effective antiretroviral treatment and with an undetectable viral load no longer transmits HIV to their sexual partners (protection by the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” or I=U method).
Prevention: an essential complement to screening
Screening is a key element of prevention, but it must be accompanied by good use of protection, in particular condoms. The condom remains the most effective method for protecting yourself against most STIs, especially those transmitted by direct contact, such as herpes, syphilis or papillomavirus infections.
STI screening is essential to preserve your health and that of your partners. By getting tested regularly, you can quickly detect possible infections, benefit from appropriate treatment and limit the spread of STIs. Whether you are young, adult or in a relationship, screening is a simple, quick and often free procedure that should not be neglected. It is part of a global approach to responsible sexual health and risk prevention.
