Sexually transmitted infection is any infection that is spread through sexual contact. Unlike disorder, which is usually defined as disrupted bodily and health functions, infection can go undetected for years before developing any visible symptoms and signs. There are several STIs, however, in this article we will discuss 7 most common ones.
HPV
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common STD. It is so common that about 80% of sexually active adults and teens will contract it at least once during their life time, but most cases will resolve on their own by the person's immune system. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, of which most can be categorized as low or high-risk strains. Low-risk HPV strains cause genital warts, cauliflower-like growths on the infected area. High risk strains may cause development of certain types of cancer. For instance, 99% of cervical cancers can be linked to a high risk strain infection in women. There were also observed correlations between a HPV infection and cancer occurrence in men, most commonly oral, penile and anal cancer.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial infection in Europe and USA. Although it is very widespread, good news is that it is easily curable, with a dose of appropriate antibiotics. Bad news is that, in most cases, chlamydia does not cause development of any symptoms, and when left untreated, chlamydia may cause infertility in men and women, and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, showing the importance of regular STI testing.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is third most common STD. Also known as ''the clap'', gonorrhoea symptoms include unusual slightly green discharge, burning sensation during urination, and pain in the genital areas. Bacteria which causes gonorrhoea usually infects warm and moist areas of the body, so except genital area, it may also infect eyes, throat and anus.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with sores of an infected person. Although majority of new infections happens by contact with the sores, most of the sores go away without being noticed, so majority of infected people may not even know about their infection. Syphilis causes a wide range of serious symptoms, including blood infection, brain damage, and even death. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, however, health damage caused by the infection is often irreversible.
Herpes
Herpes symptoms appear as small and painful blisters in infected area. It can be caused by two different virus types, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is known as the oral herpes, while type 2 is the genital herpes, however, type 1 can appear in the genital area and vice versa. About 50% of population is infected with oral herpes, while genital herpes is less common. There is no cure for herpes, but certain medications can control and reduce the blisters outbreaks.
HIV
HIV is a viral infection which causes AIDS. In early stages of infection development of symptoms is rare, but with the infection progression flu-like symptoms may occur. Infection with other types of STDs may increase the risk of contracting HIV. There is no cure for HIV infection, but the condition can be managed with medication and healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that HIV infection does not necessarily mean AIDS development.
Hepatitis
There are three types of hepatitis, Hep A, B, and C, all of which can be transmitted sexually, however hepatitis B is the most common sexually transmitted type. Hepatitis infection causes life-treating liver damage. Hepatitis A spreads by anal contact, and hepatitis B though bodily fluids, such as pus, semen and vaginal secretions. Like in case of HIV and HPV infection, there is no cure available for hepatitis A and B.
Following conditions of use are enforced to all clients starting on 1st of February, 2018.
I) Ordering the Service
When ordering the Service by electronic means, the client of the STD testing (signer of the Testing Order Form, hereinafter: Client) will receive an electronic confirmation of receipt of the order no later than the next business day. The confirmation contains a list of ordered Services, the sample type, the Client’s contact details and payment instructions.
The Kit is sent no later than the next business day.
A Client can choose to receive the Kit by a courier service at additional cost.
Need2Know reserves the right to refuse provision of kits and testing service, to eliminate or terminate accounts, modify content, or cancel requests in its sole discretion.
After commencing the testing procedure, the Client may request cessation of the test by providing an explicit statement sent by the internal system on the Need2Know website, specifying the User ID and Access Key. However, a refund at that time is no longer possible.
Conditions for refusal of a Sample include (but are not limited to):
Improper sampling (wrong biological material, biological material that cannot pass the necessary processing, improperly labelled sample, deviating from the steps in the instructions for taking a sample)
Deviating from the required transport conditions (limited time for submitting samples for molecular analysis of pathogens, poor quality of the Sample upon receipt at the laboratory which includes severe damage, decomposition and contamination of the Sample)
Insufficient biological material
Unsigned acceptance of these Conditions of Use by the Client
Once the Sample is received, it becomes the ownership of InovaGen and can be used for internal quality control for the purpose of scientific research and the development of new analytical methods. Such samples are not marked by name.
In the case of the remaining sample material left after conducting the analysis, all samples will be destroyed 7 days after their arrival at the laboratory.
The testing will comprehend only the tests selected during the purchase, as well as samples from selected body areas. Test results obtained from samples of certain body sites do not imply or verify that other body sites are positive or negative compared to the tested body site.
The test results from this website will be available to the Client only online and it is the Client's responsibility to either download or print these results in case the Client desires to retain a physical or electronic copy.
If the Client has not been notified about his/her results, it cannot be assumed that the test results were negative, indeterminate or positive. It is the Client's responsibility to email customer support at info@2knowdiagnostics.com for instructions about receiving his/her results in case of any question.
The results of each conducted test are strictly confidential and are issued only to the Client who has ordered the Service. The results can only be accessed with the specific combination of UserID and Access Key provided to the Client. Each client is provided with his/her own unique UserID and Access Key.
It is the Client's responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of his/her account, password or Access Key. It is the Client's responsibility for all activities that occur under his/her account, password or Access Key.
Any and all personal medical information and personal data collected at the Need2Know web site will be treated confidentially.
More about privacy practices can be found in the Privacy Policy section.
Responsibility for taking a Sample is assumed by the Client. This also applies to the quality of the sample taken, i.e. that the sample submitted to the laboratory was properly taken, labelled and sent in a manner that prevents contamination or substitution.
Due to a certain latent period after the initial infection, there is a need for repeat or multiple testing at periodic intervals ranging from monthly to annually when latent infections may be present but are asymptomatic.
Certain terms related to the quality of the provided service may be included into this agreement by law. Lawfully valid terms are not listed in this agreement but are automatically valid.
