भारतात एसटीआय चाचणी: कधी आणि कुठे करावी
Full translation coming soon; showing the English text.
Which tests you need, how private they are, and when to test after a possible exposure.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have symptoms, a new partner, more than one partner, a partner with an STI, or after unprotected sex. Many STIs have no symptoms. Tests use urine, swabs or blood and are available confidentially at government ICTC centres, STI clinics, private labs and doctors.
Who should get tested for STIs?
- Anyone with symptoms such as discharge, sores, itching or pain when passing urine
- Anyone starting a new sexual relationship
- People with more than one partner, or whose partner has other partners
- Anyone whose partner has been diagnosed with an STI
- Pregnant women, as part of routine antenatal care
Which tests do you need?
Common tests include a urine test or swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and blood tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C. Your doctor may swab any sores to test for herpes. Which tests you need depends on your symptoms and the type of sex you have had, including oral and anal sex.
When should you test after unprotected sex?
Some infections take time to show on tests. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can usually be detected after about two weeks. Modern HIV tests are reliable from about six weeks, with a repeat test at three months. Syphilis tests may need repeating at twelve weeks.
Where can you get tested in India?
Government Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and Suraksha clinics offer free, confidential HIV and STI testing. Private labs, dermatology and venereology clinics, gynaecologists and sexologists also arrange tests. Results are shared only with you.
How are STIs treated?
Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are cured with antibiotics. Viral infections such as herpes are controlled with antivirals like acyclovir, and HIV with lifelong antiretroviral therapy. Partners should be tested and treated too, and you should avoid sex until treatment is complete.
Talk to a specialist privately
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✓ VerifiedFrequently asked questions
Can I have an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis often cause no symptoms for a long time, which is why testing matters.
Is STI testing confidential in India?
Yes. Government centres and private clinics keep results confidential, and HIV testing requires your consent.
Do condoms protect against all STIs?
Condoms greatly reduce the risk of most STIs, but infections spread by skin contact, such as herpes and genital warts, can still pass on.
References
- National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). National guidelines for HIV care and treatment and STI/RTI management.
- World Health Organization. Guidelines for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections, 2021.
About Dr. Farhan Siddiqui
Sexologist & Couples Therapist in Mumbai with 16 years of experience.
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