Basic-4 STI Test

When can you test for each STI?

The window period is the time between when you were infected with an STI and when it is detectable with a test. Every STI has its own window period. If you test for an STI before the window period has passed, you may test negative even if you are infected. See below for more information about the specific window period per STI and determine when you can reliably administer this test.

What is the window period of each STI?

• Chlamydia: After 14 days
• Gonorrhoea: After 14 days
• Trichomoniasis: After 4 weeks
• Mycoplasma genitalium: After 4 weeks

Source: Nederlands Huisarten Genootschap

Introduction

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. STIs can be transmitted through contact with the penis, vagina, anus, and sometimes also with your mouth or fingers. Many STIs cause little or no symptoms. However, STIs are not harmless, and an untreated infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms or serious damage to the body if left untreated. That is why getting tested regularly is important, both in order to prevent the infection from spreading to others and to ensure infections are treated promptly.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria can cause an infection of the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or contact with infected genital fluids. The infection can spread to the epididymis in men and to the uterus or fallopian tubes in women. Left untreated, a chlamydia infection increases the risk of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. Giving birth with chlamydia can also lead to eye and respiratory infections in the baby. Chlamydia is a very common STI and is usually treatable with antibiotics.

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Not everyone with gonorrhoea develops symptoms, making early detection difficult. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause further health problems. In women, untreated gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. In pregnant women, inflammation of the uterus, preterm birth, and ectopic pregnancy can occur. Pregnant women with gonorrhoea can also infect their baby during childbirth. This can lead to eye inflammation and blindness in the baby. In men, untreated gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the epididymis or prostate. In rare cases, gonorrhoea can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. This can lead to joint inflammation, blood poisoning or meningitis. Gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics.

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Although the symptoms vary, most people do not experience any symptoms and do not know they are infected. Trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the vagina, cervix and urethra and make you more susceptible to other STIs. In pregnant women, infections with trichomoniasis are associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight. Trichomoniasis is treatable. To prevent re-infection, all sex partners should be treated at the same time.

What is Mycoplasma genitalium?

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a bacteria that can be transmitted through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact. Research has shown that MG is common- while the exact prevalence of this STI is not known, a recent study found MG occurred more often than gonorrohea in a sample of patients. As many people do not experience any symptoms during an MG infection and it is not regularly tested for, most infections go undetected. In fact, more than 90% of men and 50% of women with an MG infection have no symptoms. Despite its lack of symptoms, MG can cause inflammation in the urethra, cervix, and fallopian tubes. MG is treated with antibiotics, although in some cases the infection spontaneously clears on its own. Antibiotic resistance is common in MG and specific considerations should be made when treating it. 

Chlamydia

• (Burning) pain while urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Pain during sex

Gonorrhoea

• Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
• Pus-like discharge from the penis
• Burning pain while urinating
• Pain during sex
• In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
• In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis often does not cause symptoms, but when it does, it is usually one of the following three:

• Discharge from the penis
• Redness, itching, and irritation in or around the penis
• Painful urination

Mycoplasma genitalium

• Pain while urinating
• White discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Burning or itching in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body)
• In case of anal infection: discomfort or discharge from your bottom

Chlamydia

• Pain when urinating
• Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding between periods

Gonorrhoea

• Pain when urinating
• Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
• Pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
• In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck

Trichomoniasis

• Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
• Redness and/or itching around or in the vagina
• Pain when urinating

Mycoplasma genitalium

• Pain when urinating
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• In case of anal infection: discomfort or discharge from your bottom